Open Paradox database with Access or as SQL linked server

First and foremost, if you're using Office 2010, Paradox support has been removed (http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/cc179181.aspx). You'll need Access 2007 or earlier.

If you're reading this, then you've probably run in to a cryptic error message and/or inconsistent Paradox functionality with the aforementioned products. The most common error message being: "External Table not in Expected Format"

Here are two of the most common resolutions:

- You probably NEED BDE (Borland Database Engine), available here. I know there are articles that talk about it working without BDE, but I’ve never seen it happen.

- You may have to copy the Paradox database files locally. There is sometimes an issue with accessing the files across a network path.

That’s it. Try it.

Good luck,

Craig