Access 2003 linked to Excel 2003 Table

[Guest]

I set up a database where the data was linked to an Excel spreadsheet running
across a network wothout any problems. I think it was written using Office
2000 and converted recently to Office 2003 when the network software was
upgraded. The problem seems to have started since the upgrade, but I have
used a backup copy of the database with the existing datafile but the same
thing happens.

However, I cannot now edit the data from within the database, e.g. change
drop down menu options or enter free text into fields.

The datafile can be edited within Excel and the security settings allow all
users full access, as are the folders the files are located in.

Any help would be appreciated.

 

[John Nurick]

Unfortunately this is normal. My fellow MVP Ken Snell summed it up in a
recent posting here:

"These updates disabled the ability to update linked EXCEL spreadsheets
when you use ACCESS 2002 or ACCESS 2003:

Office XP
KB904018, dated October 18, 2005. See
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/904018

Office 2003
SP2. See http://support.microsoft.com/kb/904953/en-us

This feature has been disabled for legal reasons. Microsoft's own words:
"Because of legal issues, Microsoft has disabled the functionality in
Access 2003 and in Access 2002 that let users change the data in linked
tables that point to a range in an Excel workbook." Microsoft lost a
legal case involving a person who claimed a patent on the feature.

These changes did not affect ACCESS 2000 or ACCESS 97. "

 

[Guest]

Thanks John. What a pain! I'll have to import the data in to Access then
update it from inside.

Never mind, but many thanks for your help.

Nightowl4933