Linking DBF files and the filename length

[C McGregor]

I have Access 2003, and when I try to link to a DBF file with a name longer
than 8 characters, I get an error that says
"The Microsoft Jet database engine could not find the object
'table1234.dbf'. Make sure the object exists and that you spell its name and
path correctly."
If I change the DBF filename to 8 characters or less the file will link
sucessfully.
In the previous version of Access there was a way to make it accept long
filenames (but I cant remember). Does anyone know how to do this in 2003?

Thanks in advance.

 

[Joe Fallon]

Not so.
There has always been an 8.3 filename requirement for dBase files.
Fieldnames are also limited (I think 10 characters - no special symbols.)

 

[C McGregor]

Yes it is so. I have a second computer with Access 2002 on it and I can link
the table no problem. When I try to link it in Access 2003 I get the error
message