You receive a "Microsoft Data Link Error" error message when you try to perform mail merge from read-only data source in Publisher 2002 (279364)


The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Publisher 2002
This article was previously published under Q279364

SYMPTOMS

When you set up a mail merge and connect to an Access database (MDB), you may receive the following error message when you click Test Connection in the Data Link Properties window:
Microsoft Data Link Error

Test connection failed because of an error in initializing provider. Could not lock file.
Also, if you click OK in the Data Link Properties window, you receive the following error message:
Microsoft Publisher

This operation cannot be completed because of dialog or database engine failures. Please try again later.

CAUSE

This problem occurs when you try to perform a mail merge from an MDB data source that is stored in a read-only location, such as a read-only folder, a read-only network share, or a CD-ROM.

RESOLUTION

You can only perform a mail merge with a data source that has read-write permission to the data source file. Copy the data source and paste it into a location that has read-write permissions. To do this, follow these steps:
  1. Click Start, point to Search, and then click For Files or Folders.
  2. In the Search for files or folders named box, type the name of your data source. In the Look in box, select the drive or network location where the data source is saved. Click Search Now.
  3. When the data source is displayed in Search Results, right-click the data source, and then click Copy.
  4. Minimize the Search Results dialog box. Right-click the Windows desktop, and then click Paste.

    NOTE: You can paste the copied data source into any location on your computer that has read-write access.
  5. Right-click the pasted data source, and then click Properties.
  6. On the General tab, click to clear the Read-only check box for attributes.
  7. Switch back to Publisher, and perform a new mail merge by using the data source in the new location.

STATUS

Microsoft has confirmed that this is a problem in the Microsoft products that are listed at the beginning of this article.
Modification Type:MinorLast Reviewed:10/29/2004
Keywords:kbprb kbemail kberrmsg kbtshoot kbnofix KB279364
©2004 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.