Microsoft KB Archive/298985

= Error message when you try to create a route in MapPoint or in Street and Trips: &quot;Unable to get directions&quot; =

Article ID: 298985

Article Last Modified on 10/29/2007

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APPLIES TO


 * Microsoft AutoRoute 2006
 * Microsoft MapPoint 2006 Standard Edition
 * Microsoft MapPoint 2002 Standard Edition
 * Microsoft MapPoint 2001 Standard Edition
 * Microsoft Streets & Trips 2008
 * Microsoft Streets & Trips 2008 with Connected Services
 * Microsoft Streets & Trips 2008 with GPS Locator
 * Microsoft Streets & Trips 2006
 * Microsoft Streets & Trips 2005 Standard Edition
 * Microsoft Streets & Trips 2004 Standard Edition
 * Microsoft Streets & Trips 2003 Standard Edition
 * Microsoft Streets & Trips 2002 Standard Edition
 * Microsoft Streets & Trips 2001 Standard Edition

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This article was previously published under Q298985



SYMPTOMS
When you try to create a route by using one of the programs listed in the &quot;Applies To&quot; section, you may receive an error message that resembles the following

Unable to get directions from  to. One of the areas may not contain necessary connectors such as ferry routes or main roads. Move one or both of the stops, and try again.

In this error message, the locations that are listed are part of the route that you are trying to create.

You may also receive this error message when you use the Avoid Area command to create an alternate route.



CAUSE
This behavior may occur if you try to create a route through an area for which the program does not contain street or highway information.

For example, if you try to create a route through a national park, a military base, or any area where travel is restricted, the street and highway information may by unavailable to plot through those areas. As a result, the program plots an alternate route around the area in question.

When no data point information is available for the routing program for a selected route, the program plots the trip by an alternate route, where possible. If the program cannot plot an alternate route, you receive the error message that is described in the &quot;Symptoms&quot; section.



RESOLUTION
To work around this behavior, plot two separate routes. To do this, follow these steps:
 * 1) Plot the first route from your start point to the place where the data becomes unavailable.
 * 2) Plot a second route that starts from the place where the data is available again, and then onward to your final destination.



STATUS
This behavior is by design.



MORE INFORMATION
You can create ferry routes in Microsoft Streets and Trips 2006.

Keywords: kbprb KB298985

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