A list of ODBC system DSNs is truncated when the total number of characters that are used in all the DSN names is more than 7,500 on a Windows XP-based computer

Consider the following scenario:

• On a Windows XP-based computer, you create many system data source names (DSNs).
• The total number of characters that are used in all DSN names is more than 7,500.
• You use one of the following applications to view these system data source names:
  • Microsoft Office Access
  • Microsoft Excel
  • Open Database Connectivity (ODBC) Data Source Administrator

In this scenario, the list is truncated. For example, you may have 800 DSNs. However, the list contains only 600 DSNs.

This problem occurs because the buffer that stores DSN names is limited. This limited buffer prevents all the DSNs from being displayed.

Hotfix information

A supported hotfix is available from Microsoft. However, this hotfix is intended to correct only the problem that is described in this article. Apply this hotfix only to systems that are experiencing this specific problem.

If the hotfix is available for download, there is a "Hotfix download available" section at the top of this Knowledge Base article. If this section does not appear, submit a request to Microsoft Customer Service and Support to obtain the hotfix.

Note If additional issues occur or if any troubleshooting is required, you might have to create a separate service request. The usual support costs will apply to additional support questions and issues that do not qualify for this specific hotfix. For a complete list of Microsoft Customer Service and Support telephone numbers or to create a separate service request, visit the following Microsoft Web site: Note The "Hotfix download available" form displays the languages for which the hotfix is available. If you do not see your language, it is because a hotfix is not available for that language.

Prerequisites

To apply this hotfix, you must have Windows XP Service Pack 2 or a later version of Windows XP installed on the computer.

Restart requirement

You have to restart the computer after you apply this hotfix.

Hotfix replacement information

This hotfix does not replace any other previously released hotfixes.

Registry information

To use this hotfix, you do not have to make any changes to the registry.

File information

The English version of this hotfix has the file attributes (or later file attributes) that are listed in the following table. The dates and times for these files are listed in Coordinated Universal Time (UTC). When you view the file information, it is converted to local time. To find the difference between UTC and local time, use the Time Zone tab in the Date and Time item in Control Panel.

Windows XP with Service Pack 2

Windows XP with Service Pack 3

To work around this problem, use one or more of the following methods.

Method 1

Limit the total number of characters that are used in all the DSN names so that you use only 7,000 to 7,500 characters.

Method 2

Change some system DSNs to user DSNs.

Method 3

Limit the number of DSNs.

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

For more information, click the following article number to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base: