Trouble creating a pivot table from external data

[claudiaidm]

I'll describe what I wish to accomplish:

1. I create a new workbook in Excel.
2. I click on Data menu, then I choose Pivot Table and Pivot Chart Report
3. I select External Data Source, Next.
4. I click on "Get Data" and select the "New Data Source"
5. Then I type the data source name, I select the "Microsoft Access Driver" and click on "Connect".
6. Click on "Choose...".. then click on "Network...", drive "none", folder "\\the db__folder" and finally click on "Finish".
7. I choose "my_database.mdb" and OK to all the dialogues.
8. The wizard shows the available tables and columns. I choose some query, click on ">" button, and GIVES ME AN ERROR "ODBC: error when trying to connect to 'universe'

The database "my_database.mdb" is in my boss' computer. That's why I do all these steps to connect to it. But I don't understand why it sends that error.

Could anyone give me a hint please???

Thanks in advance
Regards

[Stewart Ross]

Hi. It is very difficult at this remove to suggest reasons for the lack of success in connecting. As you can see the tables, queries etc. you are clearly able to see and connect to the right database. The only things I can think of are:

1) that your own or your boss's PC's firewall is blocking the connection once established, or

2) that your access rights to the shared area on your boss's computer may not be sufficient for the ODBC driver to complete the connection, or

3) there is some problem with the ODBC driver itself - unlikely I would have thought.

I would suggest that you check out possibilities by creating a new Access database on your local PC and trying to link Access to the tables in the MDB file on your boss's PC. You will not need ODBC to do this - Access can connect directly to the tables in the other MDB file if it can see it. If that works successfully you could then try linking your Excel file to the local Access database and see if that works.

It may take some time and effort to resolve this one.

-Stewart