XL98: Problems Adding dBASE Table in Microsoft Query

ID: Q179108

The information in this article applies to:

Microsoft Excel 98 Macintosh Edition

SYMPTOMS

When you try to query a table in Microsoft Query using the dBASE ODBC driver, one of the following problems occurs.

Errors Adding a Table

One of the following error messages appear

The table name <database> was larger than SQL_MAX_TABLE_NAME_LEN from SQLGetInfo(8).

where <database> is the name of the file you are attempting to open in Microsoft Query.

-or-

Field not found: <fieldname>

where <fieldname> is a field in your table.

When you click OK, you are unable to add tables to your query.

Unable to See dBASE File

In Microsoft Query, when you attempt to add a table, your dBASE file is not listed.

CAUSE

Errors Adding a Table

The SQL_MAX_TABLE_NAME_LEN error message occurs when you do the following:

You create an ODBC User data source and you do not enable Long File Names in the ODBC Setup PPC.

The file you select contains a space in the name or the name is greater than eight characters.

You use the Query Wizard in Microsoft Query.

The Field Not Found error occurs when you do the following:

The file you select contains a space in the name.

You use the Query Wizard in Microsoft Query.

Unable To See dBASE File

Your dBASE file will not appear in the Add Tables dialog box when you try to add a dBASE table that was created or saved in Excel.

NOTE: this problem does not occur when you use the Query Wizard. A file saved with a .DBF file extension will be visible in the Query Wizard.

WORKAROUND

Use the workaround appropriate to the specific problem you experience.

SQL_MAX_TABLE_NAME_LEN Error Adding a Table

If you receive this error adding a table to Microsoft Query, do not use the Query Wizard when opening a table in Microsoft Query. This error does not appear if you do not use the Query Wizard.

-or-

Create a User DSN and set the option to enable long file name support. The Use Long Names option can be set in the Advanced tab when you click Configure in the ODBC Data Source Administrator for your User DSN.

Field Not Found: <fieldname> Error Adding a Table

If you receive this error in the Query Wizard while adding columns, remove the space character from the name of your dBASE table. As an alternative to a space use an underscore character (_).

-or-

Do not use the Query Wizard when opening a dBASE table in Microsoft Query. This error does not appear if you do not use the Query Wizard.

-or-

Create a User DSN and set the option to enable long file names. The Use Long Names option can be set in the Advanced tab when you click Configure in the ODBC Data Source Administrator for your User DSN.

Unable to See dBASE File

If your table does not appear in the Add Tables dialog box, do the following to correct this problem:

If you have not created a User DSN, do so. In the ODBC Data Source Administrator, click your User DSN and click Configure. On the Mac File Types tab, make the following changes:

Set the File Creator Type to XCEL.

Set the Database File Type to BINA and click OK.

NOTE: the File Creator Type and Database File Type settings cannot be set for a File DSN.

STATUS

Microsoft has confirmed this to be a problem in the products listed above. We are researching this problem and will post new information here in the Microsoft Knowledge Base as it becomes available.

Additional query words: XL98 msquery

Keywords : xlquery
Version : MACINTOSH:98
Platform : MACINTOSH
Issue type : kbbug