Microsoft KB Archive/141285

= "Can't access table..." If Paradox Table Not Indexed =

Article ID: 141285

Article Last Modified on 8/17/2005

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APPLIES TO


 * Microsoft Excel 95 Standard Edition
 * Microsoft Excel 5.0 Standard Edition
 * Microsoft Query 2000

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This article was previously published under Q141285





SYMPTOMS
In Microsoft Query, you may receive the following error message when you try to use a Paradox table

Can't access table

where is the path and file name of the file you try to use.



CAUSE
When you use a Paradox table in Microsoft Query, the table must have an existing index. This index is stored in a file with a .PX extension and is usually located in the same directory as the Paradox table. The index has the same name as the table.



RESOLUTION
To correct this problem, use any of the following methods to create an index for the Paradox table.

Method 1: If the table already contains data, use Paradox to create an

index for the table. See the documentation included with Paradox

for more details on how to do this.

Method 2: Use Microsoft Query to create the index. Note that performing

Method 1 above is preferred over this method because Microsoft Query cannot create an index on a Paradox table if it already contains data. To use this method on an empty table, perform the following steps:

a. On the File menu, click Table Definition.

The Select Data Source dialog box is displayed.

b. From the Available Data Sources list, choose your Paradox data source and click the Use button.

The Select Table dialog box is displayed.

c. Click the Index button.

The Create Index dialog box is displayed.

d. In the Index Name field, type the name of your table. (Do not include the .DB extension.)

e. In the Index Fields drop-down list, select the field needed to create the index for the table. If multiple fields are needed to create the index, separate the field names with commas. Once you are finished, click Close.

f. In the Select Table dialog box, click Close.



STATUS
This behavior is by design. Unlike Microsoft Access, Microsoft Query does not automatically create an index for a Paradox table.

