MSQuery: No Tables Appear in Add Tables Dialog Box

ID: Q164383


The information in this article applies to:


SYMPTOMS

When you attempt to query a Microsoft Access database using Microsoft Query or the Get External Data command in Microsoft Excel, the Add Tables or Choose Columns dialog box may appear blank.

You may also receive the following error message:

This data source contains no visible tables.


CAUSE

This problem occurs if you use a Microsoft Access database and a folder with the same name in the same directory. For example, the Add Tables or Choose Columns dialog boxes appear blank if a folder named "Northwind" and a Microsoft Access database named "Northwind.mdb" exist in the same directory, as in the following example:

C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\Office\Samples\Northwind
C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\Office\Samples\Northwind.mdb


RESOLUTION

To resolve this problem, do not use a folder and a Microsoft Access database with the same name in the same directory.


STATUS

Microsoft has confirmed this to be a problem in the Microsoft products listed at the beginning of this article.

Additional query words: empty


Keywords          : kbtool kbualink97 xlquery 
Version           : WINDOWS:1.0,2.0,5.0,5.0c,7.0,7.0a,97
Platform          : WINDOWS 
Issue type        : kbbug 

Last Reviewed: July 23, 1999