"Microsoft Access can't change the working directory to" error message when you start Access (208683)


The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Access 2002
  • Microsoft Access 2000
  • Microsoft Access 97
This article was previously published under Q208683

SYMPTOMS

When you start Microsoft Access, you may receive the following error message:
Microsoft Access can't change the working directory to <default database folder>
where <default database folder> is the path that appears as the default database folder in the Default database folder box on the General tab.

If you click OK or press ENTER, Microsoft Access opens.

CAUSE

You receive this error message if either of the following conditions is true:
  • The Default Database Folder property is not pointing to a valid path.
  • The path is longer than 260 characters.

RESOLUTION

Make sure that the drive is valid and that the path is 260 or fewer characters.

MORE INFORMATION

To check the default folder for Microsoft Access, follow these steps:
  1. Start Microsoft Access and open any database.
  2. On the Tools menu, click Options.
  3. In the Options dialog box, click the General tab. Note the path in the Default Database Folder box.
Typically during Microsoft Access installation, the default folder is set to C:\My Documents, which represents the Microsoft Access Startup folder.
Modification Type:MajorLast Reviewed:11/22/2004
Keywords:kbenv kberrmsg kbprb KB208683
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