Error message when I try to open a database.

U

Underdaug

Any time I try to open an existing database, or create a new database in
access, I get the following message:"Microsoft Access couldn't find file
'system.mdw". This file is required for startup." I have tried uninstalling
office and reinstalling, but I still get the error. I am able to open
access, but that is all. I can't create a database or open one, it just
takes me to a blank, grey screen with only options of creating a new
database, or open an existing. Then the process starts again and I get the
error again. Can anyone tell me where to get another copy of the file
"system.mdw", and where to put it?
 
T

Tom Wickerath

Hi Underdaug,

I'm guessing that you are using Access 97...later versions of Access are
"self-healing" and should replace a missing copy of System.mdw at startup, if
this is the attached workgroup information file.

Search your hard drive for a file named WRKGADM.EXE. When you click on the
Join... button, you should see a defined path, such as the following:

C:\PROGRA~1\COMMON~1\SYSTEM\SYSTEM.MDW

This is the place where you need to save the file to, or you can use this
utility to define a new location. There is also a registry key that you can
look at directly. I can look that up later, if you cannot find a copy of this
utility on your PC.

To get a new copy, find a different machine with the same version of Access
(presumably Access 97). Search the hard drive for System.mdw. Copy the file
to a floppy diskette, thumb drive, etc. Then paste it to the folder on your
PC that you identified in the above step. If you use a CD-R disk, you'll want
to make sure to reset the read only attribute that will be set for this file,
as soon as you write it to the CD.

If you do not have ready access to another machine with the same version of
Access, then send me a private e-mail message with a valid reply address. I
will send you a zipped copy of System.mdw. Make sure to verify for me which
version of Access that you are using.

Tom

QWaos168@XScom cast. Dnet (<--Remove all capitalized letters and spaces).
http://www.access.qbuilt.com/html/expert_contributors.html
__________________________________________

:

Any time I try to open an existing database, or create a new database in
access, I get the following message:"Microsoft Access couldn't find file
'system.mdw". This file is required for startup." I have tried uninstalling
office and reinstalling, but I still get the error. I am able to open
access, but that is all. I can't create a database or open one, it just
takes me to a blank, grey screen with only options of creating a new
database, or open an existing. Then the process starts again and I get the
error again. Can anyone tell me where to get another copy of the file
"system.mdw", and where to put it?
 
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