Word Cannot Connect to Data Source Using UNC with ODBC

 Last reviewed: February 5, 1998
Article ID: Q117700
6.00 6.00a WINDOWS kbusage buglist6.00 buglist6.00a

The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Word for Windows, versions 6.0, 6.0a

SYMPTOMS

If you create a Word Mail Merge document and try to attach a data source (through Open Database Connectivity [ODBC]) using a universal naming convention (UNC) name, Word cannot connect to the data source.

If you choose Confirm Conversions in the Open Data Source dialog box, you will be prompted to choose a directory. Regardless of directory you select in the Select Directory dialog box, Word is unable to attach the data file.

CAUSE

ODBC drivers do not support the use of UNC connections.

STATUS

Microsoft has confirmed this to be a problem in Word versions 6.0 and 6.0a for Windows. We are researching this problem and will post new information here in the Microsoft Knowledge Base as it becomes available.

WORKAROUND

To avoid this problem, you should first make a network connection to the drive where the data source resides, then attach the data source using the drive letter.

KBCategory: kbusage buglist6.00 buglist6.00a
KBSubcategory:
Additional reference words: 6.00 6.00a print datafile file source won't
word6 winword doesn't
Version : 6.00 6.00a
Platform : WINDOWS

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Last reviewed: February 5, 1998
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