Workgroup Information File (System.mdw)

[Billy]

I have Access XP (2002) installed on my system

When I try to open a database or create a new one, it
tells me
"Workgroup Administrator couldn't create the workgroup
information file. Make sure you have specified a valid
path and file name, that you have adequate permissions to
create the file, and that you have enough disk space on
the destination drive. (-3100)"

and then
"Microsoft Access couldn't find the file 'C:\Documents and
Settings\My Name\Application
Data\Microsoft\Access\System.mdw'. This file is required
for startup."

Trouble is, I have no idea about this file. I did not
create one (so I guess Access created it itself) and I
have not removed it. I cannot seem to recreate it and
there isn't any relevant information on Knowledgebase to
help me.

I cannot use Access 2002 until I get this file...but I
don't know how to get it or create it. I have tried
uninstalling Access, rebooting and reinstalling to no
avail.

Anyone got any ideas?

Thx

 

[Wayne Morgan]

Using Access 2003, I just removed my System.mdw file from the location you
mention and when I opened Access, there was no error and no file. When I
then tried to open a non-protected database, Access recreated the System.mdw
file in the location you mentioned. So, it appears that Access will create
this file as needed.

Since Access is telling you that it "can't create the file" I would have to
guess that there is something about the directory that won't let Access
write to it. Use My Computer and browse to the directory to make sure it
exists. If it doesn't, create the directory structure you have listed then
see if Access will place the file in the directory. If the directory does
exist, do you have read/write permissions to it (NTFS permissions)?