Works 2000: Cannot Use dBase or Paradox as a Mail-Merge Data Source (239225)
The information in this article applies to:
- Microsoft Works 2000
- Microsoft Works 6
This article was previously published under Q239225 SYMPTOMS
When you attempt to use a Paradox file as a data source for a mail-merge document in Microsoft Works 2000 Word Processor or Microsoft Works 6 Word Processor, you may receive the following error message:
Works cannot open the mail-merge list you selected. The file may be damaged, or it may be in a format that Works does not support.
When you attempt to use a dBase file as a data source for a mail-merge document in Works Word Processor, you may receive the following error message:
Works cannot open this data source. The data source may not be in supported format or a required component of the application is missing.
CAUSE
This behavior can occur if the file name of the mail-merge data source that you are attempting to use does not conform to the MS-DOS 8.3 file naming convention.
NOTE: The Jet drivers for these data sources cannot use long file names.
RESOLUTION
To resolve this issue, rename the file that you want to use as a mail-merge data source so that it conforms to the MS-DOS 8.3 file naming convention:
- Start Windows Explorer.
- Browse to find the file that you want.
- Click to select the file.
- On the File menu, click Rename.
- Type the name that you want, following the MS-DOS 8.3 file naming
convention.
The MS-DOS 8.3 file naming convention uses a file name of eight or
fewer characters, followed by a period, followed by a file extension
of three or fewer characters.
NOTE: If you are naming a dBase file, use the extension .dbf.
If you are naming a Paradox file, use the extension .db.
- Click outside the file name or icon to save the name change.
Modification Type: | Major | Last Reviewed: | 10/7/2003 |
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Keywords: | kb3rdparty kbnofix kbprb KB239225 |
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