linking to DBASE dbf file

  • Thread starter Thread starter Ross Bagwel
  • Start date Start date
R

Ross Bagwel

I am trying to create a link in Access tables to a DBASE
dbf file that is on a network. The name of the DBASE file
is "123Networks".

If I shorten the file to 8-characters or less, the link
(or import, for that matter) will work. However, the
current (unshortened) name gives me the error "The
Microsoft Jet database engine could not find the
object '123Networks.dbf'. Make sure the object exists and
that you spell its name and the path name correctly."

Why is it that we have to have the file name 8 characters
or less for this to work? Or is there an available setting
or fix I can apply?

Thank you

Ross
 
That is "just the way it is".
You have to deal with this known limitation.

One idea would be to copy the file to an 8.3 file name and then import that.
 
Hi Ross,

As Joe says, that's the way it is. Sometimes the following workround is
possible, but don't try it unless you understand it<g>:

Make a hard link to the .dbf file, with a nice short filespec (using
"ln" from the Posix utilities in the Win 2k/XP resource kit). Access
should link happily to this.
 
All Windows long file names still have a short (8.3) name
as well. If you type "dir/x" from a command prompt while
in your directory of interest, you will see the short
names. The short-name algorithm, as least in Windows
2000, is first 6 letters + "~1", unless that conflicts
with another short name. For example, your file
123Networks.dbf would have a short name of 123Net~1.dbf.

In the Access Import or "Link Tables" dialog, you can
enter the short name by hand and the import should
proceed, no hard links or file copying needed.

-----Original Message-----
Hi Ross,

As Joe says, that's the way it is. Sometimes the following workround is
possible, but don't try it unless you understand it<g>:

Make a hard link to the .dbf file, with a nice short filespec (using
"ln" from the Posix utilities in the Win 2k/XP resource kit). Access
should link happily to this.



I am trying to create a link in Access tables to a DBASE
dbf file that is on a network. The name of the DBASE file
is "123Networks".

If I shorten the file to 8-characters or less, the link
(or import, for that matter) will work. However, the
current (unshortened) name gives me the error "The
Microsoft Jet database engine could not find the
object '123Networks.dbf'. Make sure the object exists and
that you spell its name and the path name correctly."

Why is it that we have to have the file name 8 characters
or less for this to work? Or is there an available setting
or fix I can apply?

Thank you

Ross
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--
John Nurick [Microsoft Access MVP]

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