"Syntax error in FROM clause" when getting external data (214377)


The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Excel 2000
  • Microsoft Excel 2002
This article was previously published under Q214377
For a Microsoft Excel 97 and earlier version of this article, see 171899.

SYMPTOMS

When you use Microsoft Query to return external data to a worksheet in Microsoft Excel or when you view returned data in Microsoft Query, you may receive the following error message:
Syntax error in FROM clause.

CAUSE

This problem occurs if you attempt to retrieve data from a Microsoft Access or Microsoft Excel database, and the path to the database contains a period (.), for example:

C:\My.Test\Northwind.mdb

WORKAROUND

To work around this problem, change the path to the database so that it does not contain any periods, for example:

C:\MyTest\Northwind.mdb C:\My Test\Northwind.mdb

NOTE: You may use a period before the file name extension (.mdb in this case).

MORE INFORMATION

When the path to the file contains a period, the path is qualified incorrectly by Microsoft Query. As a result, the Structured Query Language (SQL) statement for the data you are retrieving is incorrect, and you receive the error message in the "Symptoms" section.
Modification Type:MajorLast Reviewed:3/9/2006
Keywords:kberrmsg kbpending kbprb KB214377
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