ACC97: Error Message When You Try to Start Access 97 in Terminal Server (301966)


The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Access 97
This article was previously published under Q301966
Novice: Requires knowledge of the user interface on single-user computers.

SYMPTOMS

When you try to start Access 97 as a Microsoft Windows 2000 or Microsoft Windows NT 4.0 Terminal Server Edition client, Access may not start, and you may receive one of the following error messages:
Couldn't use 'C:\winnt\system32\system.mdw'; File already in use
The Microsoft Jet database engine cannot open the file
File already in use
File in use

CAUSE

These error messages can appear if the Office97 compatibility script has not been run on the Terminal Server computer. Also, to use Access 97 in a multiuser environment, all users (including administrators) must have Read/Execute permissions on the System.mdw workgroup information file.

RESOLUTION

To resolve this issue, run the Office 97 compatibility script (Office97.cmd), which should already be loaded on Terminal Server, and then make sure that users have appropriate permissions:
  1. On the computer that runs Terminal Server, start the MS-DOS command prompt, and then type the following command to put Terminal Server into Install mode: change user /install

  2. Use the Find Files tool to locate the Office97.cmd file.
  3. In the search results pane, double-click the Office97.cmd file to run the compatibility script.
  4. At the MS-DOS command prompt, type the following command to return Terminal Server to Execute mode: change user /execute

  5. Ensure that users have sufficient permissions (Read/Execute) to create .ldb files for the workgroup information file (*.mdw) that Access is using.
  6. Use Wrkgadm.exe to verify that the correct .mdw file is selected.

MORE INFORMATION

For additional information about installing Office 97 on Windows NT Terminal Server and about known issues with running Access 97 in a Terminal Server environment, click the article number below to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

210231 OFF97: How to Install Office onto Terminal Server

For additional information about Terminal Server compatibility scripts and how to deploy them, visit the Microsoft Web site to read the white papers on these subjects. These white papers offer guidance to help you get Terminal Server running smoothly. You can view or download most of the free resources for Terminal Server at either of the following Microsoft Web sites:

http://www.microsoft.com/ntserver/ProductInfo/terminal/default.asp

http://www.microsoft.com/technet/prodtechnol/win2kts/default.mspx

Modification Type:MinorLast Reviewed:12/8/2005
Keywords:kberrmsg kbinterop kbprb kbsetup KB301966
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