When your computer encounters an ODBC error, you want it gone quickly and accurately.  Waiting around for a computer tech to fix your ODBC error does not fall into this category.  Here are a few ways to address this error without leaving your home.

Causes of an ODBC Error

Microsoft explains that this error is a result of a registry error combined with an attempted installation of Microsoft Office XP or one of the MS Office XP programs.  The registry error may be a result of a previous deletion of a Corel program such as WordPerfect.  Occasionally, this program takes a couple of necessary registry keys with it upon deletion.

To brush up on the term “registry,” let us remind you that the Windows registry contains hundreds of files that pertain to user settings, program settings, and various other bits of data that allow your computer to function.  Without essential files (those are the “registry keys”), certain programs will not run or even install.  Sometimes a registry error can even be responsible for a total computer crash.

Options to Resolve the Error Quickly

Download MDAC 2.8: This is a program that checks your computer for certain components it may be missing such as the registry keys pertinent to MS Office that have gone MIA.  Obtain this program from the Microsoft Download Center.

Reset Registry Keys with mdac.inf File: Your computer actually already contains the file that can fix the ODBC error.  You will probably be asked to insert your Windows CD that came with your computer, though.  Detailed instructions can be found on Microsoft’s website.

Once you have installed this file and restarted the computer, you may need to modify the registry to create new registry keys, depending on what type of Windows installation you have on your PC.  This is a difficult business since one wrong edit may create a host of other problems or even render the computer inoperable.  Make sure to back up the registry before attempting this step.

Import Registry Keys from Other Computer: It is possible to import complete and functional registry keys from another computer on your network or to create a network with another computer for this purpose.  Complete instructions for this method can also be found online.

Clean Up Registry with Registry Cleaning Software:  This option is the best for the least-technically-inclined among us.  If you shudder at the thought of a registry, much less “editing” it, then this is for you.  Fix your ODBC error and knock out the hundreds of additional errors that are undoubtedly lurking on your PC all at once.

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