Trouble connecting to .dbf files

[tad0075]

I've been searching for a solution to this, but I can't find anyone discussing the same issue as I have. I'm working in Access 2010 and need to link to a set of .dbf files from our GIS database. Access db will be used for quality control against GIS data, the DBFs are map layers that we export regularly. All I've done so far is tried to connect into the DBFs, but I'm getting an error every time. Error message is "the microsoft access database engine could not find the object <filename>. make sure the object exists and that you spell its name and the path name correctly." Here are my steps so far:

1) Path name is irrelevant, as I'm browsing to the file, not referencing it as a string, so I don't see any room for the path name to be a mismatch.
2) We've had issues with our network server switching between a couple of names randomly, however I get the same error when I try to open DBFs from my hard drive.
3) I've read that DBFs sometimes need indexes or other files available within the same folder. There is a whole set of files (DBF + 5) in the same folder, and these DBFs are used in Access by another individual in our office, and he doesn't produce the same error. It appears the info is all there.

I've ruled out all of the above, and I can't find any other problem that would produce this error. I looked through my program settings for anything that might make a difference, but nothing jumped out at me. Any ideas?

Tyler

 

[rvlint]

I am still working with Access 2003.

There:
If you want to link a .dbf file, you should use the shortname (8 characters)provided by DOS. You can find the generated shortname by typing 'DIR /X' in the command prompt from MS Dos

Maybe you should apply the same in Access 2010.

If not, did you got the right answer on your question. I need to go to Office 2010 as well.

Many Regards,

Rudy Van Lindt

 

[tad0075]

Rudy -
Someone in my office told me the 8-character limit, and I renamed my files to only 8 characters. This worked great, and I don't think I've had any problems with it since.

Sorry I didn't follow up, I hope this helps!

Tyler