Microsoft KB Archive/93125

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Excel DAM: &quot;File Read Error&quot; When Logging onto Remote Database

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The information in this article applies to:


 * Microsoft Excel for the Macintosh, versions 3.0, 4.0

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SUMMARY
When attempting to log in to a remote database using the Data Access Macro (DAM), Microsoft Excel may return the message &quot;File Read Error.&quot; This problem is can be caused by a corrupted DAL Preferences file.

If the remote database can be accessed using a utility such as the DAL Tester, then the problem is very likely caused by a missing carriage return at the end of the DAL Preferences file. To verify and correct the problem:


 * 1) Open the DAL Preferences file in a text editor. Double-clicking the file should open it directly into the TeachText application.
 * 2) Scroll to the bottom of the document.
 * 3) Place the insertion point after the last visible character in the file.
 * 4) Type a carriage return (press the RETURN key).
 * 5) Save the file.
 * 6) Open Microsoft Excel and launch the Data Access Macro.
 * 7) From the Data Menu, choose Set Database, and select the External Database option in the following dialog box.
 * 8) Choose the New button in the Set External Database dialog box.

At this point, the host database should be accessible.

MORE INFORMATION
If the DAL Tester utility also returns a &quot;File Read&quot; error after you type the host name at the &quot;Hostname?&quot; prompt, the DAL Preferences file is probably corrupt. At this point, a new DAL Preferences file should be installed from the Macintosh System disks into the hard disk's Preferences Folder.

NOTE: If you are using System 7.1 or later, the DAL software is not automatically installed with the operating system; contact Apple for further assistance.

The host and/or network may require special settings in the DAL Preferences file. Consult with your network and/or database administrator for further assistance.

Additional query words: 4.00 novell db2 db/2 rdb oracle ingres

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