You receive an error message when importing dBASE, FoxPro, or Paradox file

In Microsoft Access, when you import a dBase, FoxPro, or Paradox file that does not follow the MS-DOS 8.3 file name format (that is, its name before the period exceeds eight characters, or it lacks a three-character extension following the period), you may receive the following error message:

To avoid this problem, rename the file so that it matches the MS-DOS 8.3 file name format. That is, the file name must be no more than eight characters in length, and it must have a correct extension following the period, such as .dbf for a dBASE file.

Note: Although earlier versions of Jet did not require that you use the correct file name extension, changes to Jet security now require that you use the correct extension. For additional information about changes to Jet security, click the following article number to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

Microsoft has confirmed that this is a problem in the Microsoft products that are listed in the "Applies to" section of this article.

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Steps to Reproduce the Problem

The following steps use a Paradox file as an example. You can also use a dBASE or FoxPro file to reproduce the error.

1. Rename a Paradox file so that it has no extension. For example, change "Customer.db" to "Customer."
2. Open any Microsoft Access database.
3. To import the file into the Microsoft Access database, follow these steps:
   1. On the File menu, point to Get External Data, and then click Import.
   2. In the Import dialog box, click Paradox (*.db) in the Files of type box.
   3. Type *.* in the File name box.
   4. Select the Paradox file you renamed in step 1, and then click Import.

You receive the error message shown in the "Symptoms" section.

The third-party products that are discussed in this article are manufactured by companies that are independent of Microsoft. Microsoft makes no warranty, implied or otherwise, regarding the performance or reliability of these products.