Unable to open TAB files linking Access or Excel files in MapInfo Pro 64-bit

kbadmin — Sun, 18 Sep 2022 23:45:38 GMT

Occurrence

In 64-bit MapInfo Pro, I receive an error or crash when trying to open TAB files that linked to an Access or Excel file. Or MapInfo is simply crashing when trying to open a workspace.

Note that if you save the XSLX file in Excel as a CSV or legacy 97-03 XLS format, these still open.

Solution

This is due to Microsoft not supporting side-by-side installation of Office 32bit and 64bit versions.

There is a workaround that has been tested with Office 2013 or Office 2016 (365) installed. If you are using Office 2010, it is recommended you upgrade to a newer supported version of Office first.

In the start menu, open the Datamine folder and find the "Access Database Fix". Run this shortcut and click OK on the prompt to apply.

Note that this fix is not permanent, and may break when Windows Update automatically updates your Office installation. If this occurs, the fix will need to be run again from time to time.

If the issues persists, please do the following -

I cannot change the projection of a map with the Bing imagery

kbadmin — Mon, 20 Dec 2021 00:36:00 GMT

Occurrence

When I add a Bing image or other tile server layer to the map window, the projection is changed and I am unable to change the mapper's projection to the desired UTM or other projection.

Solution

Reprojection support for Bing and Base Map or Tile server layers was added in MapInfo Pro version 2021, which is in the Discover bundle version 2021 Update 1.

In previous versions:

MapInfo disables the support for reprojection on the fly of tile server image layers.
However as a workaround a static copy of the background imagery can be saved and then reprojected with Discover.

1. Open a map containing the Bing image and zoom to the area you wish to cover.

2. Select DISCOVER>Images>Map to Image. Save the window (Tip: you can set the Detail to 10x to improve resolution when zoomed in later).
Select Save as PNG format (recommended format).

3. Select DISCOVER>Images>Reproject Image. Select the map image that has just been created and reproject to the desired projection.

For a bit more information on the Bing Maps Tile System

Occurrence

MapInfo Pro v17.0 introduced a new welcome page that shows while MapInfo is loading in the background.

Solution

Datamine Discover KB - Featured Articles

Unable to open TAB files linking Access or Excel files in MapInfo Pro 64-bit

I cannot change the projection of a map with the Bing imagery