MS Project Error Message when opening mdb file - -cannot open file

[Angelo]

In MS Project Pro 2003 after getting to the last screen when going through
the process of opening a project from an Access 2002 mdb file, I get an
error: Cannot open file. Project allows me to see the related mpp in the
Import Wizard screen but after I click open, I get the error. The mdb is not
corrupt as I am able to open the file from Project 2003 Pro when the file it
is in Access 2003. Something I've noticed is that after I receive the error,
I see the .lbd file for the mdb file. It does not go away until I exit out of
MS Project 2003.

 

[Rod Gill]

I can't remember if the file format in Access 2002 is the same as for 2003.
If it isn't, has the Access database been saved in 2003 format? that might
explain the error.

--

Rod Gill
Project MVP

Project VBA Book, for details visit:
http://www.projectvbabook.com

NEW!! Web based VBA training course delivered by me. For details visit:
http://projectservertraining.com/learning/index.aspx

 

[Angelo]

The file from Access 2003 was actually saved as a 2002 file. More info on
this, on the computer with Access 2002, I saved a new MS project 2003 file to
a mdb file and still could not open the mdb file back in MS project. Anymore
ideas? This happens to all Access databases I try to open, not just these.

 

[Rod Gill]

Create the Access file by saving a project to Access format in the File,
Save as dialog. It will create an Access 97 format file, but this can be
opened and re-saved using Access 2003.

From your messages I'm getting that you manually created the mdb file? Have
any changes been made to Project data?

--

Rod Gill
Project MVP

Project VBA Book, for details visit:
http://www.projectvbabook.com

NEW!! Web based VBA training course delivered by me. For details visit:
http://projectservertraining.com/learning/index.aspx

 

[Angelo]

No data was changed. I saved as Access file, then closed it, and then tried
to open it immediately and received the same error -- cannot open file.

 

[Angelo]

Hi, are there any more ideas on this or am I sunk.

 

[Doug]

I have determined that the problem exists in 2002 and 2003 after applying the
auto-updates. It comes out of the box in 2007. The problem appears to have
nothing to do with the stored format-I am creating and saving new projects
with each test.

I believe it has something to do with clearing locks when the projects are
saved.

 

[sm]

I have determined that the problem exists in 2002 and 2003 after applying the
auto-updates. It comes out of the box in 2007. The problem appears to have
nothing to do with the stored format-I am creating and saving new projects
with each test.

I believe it has something to do with clearing locks when the projects are
saved.

I experienced this problem when I copied an Access database with
several Project files to a new computer with Vista Business, Office
2003 and Project 2003 Standard. It could be solved by deinstallation
of the preinstalled Norton Internet Security, deinstallation of
Office, a new installation of Office and replacing the Norton by F-
Secure 2007 SE.

Things tried before as replacement of Project 2003 Standard by Project
2003 Pro (trial version) and using SQL Server 2005 Express as the
database and Native Client as ODBC driver had no influence.
Installation/deinstallation of service packs and updates had no
influence too.

 

[Dennis]

I have the same problem with one of my two computers, do not have the same
problem with the other computer. Both have the same versions of access and
project. the only difference I am aware of is that the computer that won't
allow me to open an mdb file in project runs Norton Security software, the
computer that does allow me to open runs AVG. I've tried turning off Norton,
however, and that doesn't seem to help.

Have you heard from anyone on possible solutions?

 

[Angelo]

After about a year trying to figure this out, it turned out to be a
Norton Anti-virus issue.

See the following link from Microsoft. Once I unchecked the option on
the Office Plug in, I was able to open the Access file from Project.

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/329820/en-us#appliesto


If Norton AntiVirus 2006 is installed
Disable the Norton AntiVirus Office plug-in. To do this, follow these
steps. Warning This workaround may make a computer or a network more
vulnerable to attack by malicious users or by malicious software such
as viruses. We do not recommend this workaround but are providing this
information so that you can implement this workaround at your own
discretion. Use this workaround at your own risk.
1. On the taskbar, right-click the Norton icon, and then click Norton
AntiVirus Options.
2. Click Miscellaneous.
3. Click to clear the Turn Office Plug-in on check box.