Linked HTML Table loosing itself?

[ddelport]

I am using an Access 97 Database that contains a link to an HTML table. I have no control over this table because it is generated and updated automaticaly from other software. My database is based on the info from this HTML table which is compared to a second resident table. New records are identified by comparing the two tables and added one-by-one to the resident table. Every now and then (It seems randomly) I come accross an error i.e. "the linked table is in an unexpected format" or The import specification doesn't exist suddenly. The same thing happens when you exit the database and enter it again. The only thing that remedies this I found to be to run a macro/code that deletes the table and re-establish the link again every time you open the form that is used to import and update the records.

Any idea why this table is behaving this way or am I missing something?

 

[BNPMike]

Looks like a bug.

It's not a good idea to be running software so out-of-date.

 

[ddelport]

Ja, fanx Mike! I know, but hey, I am from a 3rd world country, so we have to be satisfied with the crumbs on the floor. Not that I am reflecting my problem on you but how would you feel like paying almost $5000 for one software license for the latest MS Office pro package? Well, in my country and in terms of our currency that is what it costs. YES, REALLY!

To get back to my problem: I am one of the lucky few people in our organisation that has the 2000 version loaded, I will convert the database and see if that kills the "bug". As for the other 18 pc's that also has to use this database, I suppose I will have to wait for the 2024 budget... LOL! |;-)

VIVA LE Open-Source !!!

 

[BNPMike]

In that case make sure you have all the latest patches from the Microsoft site.

 

[AvGuy]

Let's not get haughty about "out of date" software. I prefer Access 97 to 2000 and 2002 because I can compile an application in 10MB with 97 that takes over 40 MB in the newer programs and I still have all the utility I need. 2000 and 2002 are examples of Microsoft bloat where more and more unneeded complexity is added to keep people buying later and later programs and keep Microsoft's profit picture rosy.

Have you tried importing the table rather than linking to it? Use the DoCmd.TransferText acImportHTML, , etc. to import the file. Make sure you first have the Microsoft Text ISAM resident in your Windows/System32 folder. (Mstext35.dll). Once you have the HTML data imported as a table you can do with the data what you want. I've found this approach to be more reliable than linking especially if the HTML file is located on a remote server where you're at the mercy of the Internet. After you've used the imported table data just delete the table and you're ready for the next go.

 

[ddelport]

Thanx AvGuy, seen in hindsight it makes more sense to take your advice and Import rather than Link. Even though it is the same table (with a couple of new records) one would repeat this procedure when needed. The records are "imported" to the second table one-by-one anyway, so if this procedure is incoperated the moment before you run the compare query, the data would be "up-to-date" enough to my liking. At least then you wouldn't be hasseled by the HTML table while working with unfinished business.