Cannot link to SQL tables using ODBC Link table in Access 2003

When trying to link to an SQL table in Access 2003, the software appears to be malfunctioning.

The sequence of events is File - Get External Data - Link Tables - Files of Type: ODBC Databases().

The Problem: On two of my computers, the select data source window does not pop up, preventing me from linking to any ODBC data source.

Observations: This function has worked normally in the recent past and works on other computers running Access 2003. One difference between the computers working and non-working computers is Norton Antivirus 2006 (recent upgrade).

Has anyone experienced anything like this? What's going on?

Yes, I have the same problem and also installed Norton Anti-Virus 2006 recently. My OS is Windows XP Pro SP2. On another PC, where the only difference is that it has Access 2002, the problem does not occur and the dialog box comes up normally. I have floated this question on the UK AUG list processor and the first reply is that there is a Microsoft KB article on it, but my inter locutor does not know its number! Have you askled Norton?|||

Here is the solution, from a member of UK AUG.

Alan, you’re a genius; the cure works perfectly.

Catherine, thank you too; I had noticed that Access especially was slow to open, but had no idea why.

Andy Couch, this may come in hand for your next SQL Server course as you may have a Norton victim among your trainees.

I’ll let my Norton 5-user subscription run out and them I’m in the market for something else - anything but Norton.

Timothy Coe.

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That option scans all Office documents before opening it, but if you have autoprotect on, there shouldn't be any viruses on them in the first place...Regards, Catherine.

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Timothy,

Downgraded is the correct word! It is awfully slow and my Office documents take ages to open now. I downgraded from Norton Internet Security 2005, which ran reasonably well, to 2006.

Thank you for bringing this up. Now you have, it reminds me that I've posted before on problems with ODBC and NIS2006. I found that if I untick the "Turn Office Plug-in on" box on Miscellaneous on the Antivirus section of NIS2006, my ODBC options reappear and my Office programs, e.g. Word, open a bit quicker. I'm not sure off hand what I may be letting myself in for by turning this thing off though.NIS2006? Yuck. Alan

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Great Job Alan/Tim! You are fabulous - the fix works. add a system re-start and life is good again!

The fix:

From Nortn Antivirus Home screen:

Select Security Basics, Auto-Protect, and Configure Auto-Protect

Under "Other", select Miscellaneous

Under "How to keep Microsoft Office Documents Protected" which should be renamed to "How to mysteriously destroy database development productivity", uncheck this evil box

Restart and enjoy the functionality you paid for...

Thanks again folks!

Next stop: complain to Symantec!

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Same Problem with NAV 2007,

1) Bring up Norton Protection Center and Click on Antivirus tab.

2) Click on Settings

3) Basic Security

- Click on Auto-protect

- Click on Configure

- On Left hand side at the bottom, click on MISCELLANEOUS

- At Bottom of Right handside(options for miscellaneous)

Uncheck "How to keep Microsoft Office Documents ProtectedUnder "

- Click OK and close Norton Protection Center

4) Reopen Access DB and you should be good to go!!

Enjoy

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Thanks everyone, I had the same problem. The Norton Protection center needed:

Norton Antivirus; Settings; Additional Options- Virus and Spyware Options;Miscellaneous; Turn on Scanning for Microsoft Office Documents

When this is unchecked I can get ODBC links again.

Mike

|||Thanks