OFF2000: Error Message: The Jet Database Engine Cannot Open <dBASEFile> (251208)


The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Excel 2000
  • Microsoft Word 2000
This article was previously published under Q251208

SYMPTOMS

When you try to connect to a dBASE file, the following error message may appear:
The Jet database engine cannot open <dBASEFile>. It is already opened in exclusive or you need permission to view.
where <dBASEFile> is the name of the dBASE file you are attempting to connect to.

CAUSE

This behavior occurs if the following are true:
  • You are connecting to the dBASE file with the dBASE ODBC driver that is included with Office 2000. - and -

  • The dBASE file you are connecting to is open in another program. - and -

  • You do not have the Borland Database Engine (BDE) installed.

RESOLUTION

To resolve this issue, obtain the the Borland Database Engine (BDE) from one of the following third-party vendors:
  • Borland
  • Inprise
  • Merant
For information about how to contact the above mentioned vendors, click the appropriate article number in the following list to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

65416 Hardware and Software Third-Party Vendor Contact List, A-K

60781 Hardware and Software Third-Party Vendor Contact List, L-P

60782 Hardware and Software Third-Party Vendor Contact List, Q-Z

Modification Type:MajorLast Reviewed:10/7/2003
Keywords:kbfix kbprb KB251208
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