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 -

Discover 2019 - opening workspaces containing certain ECW files crashes

kbadmin — Wed, 14 Aug 2019 03:30:04 GMT

Occurrence

In Discover 2019, opening certain ECW files crashes MapInfo Discover. These opened previous versions.

Solution

This issue was resolved in the Discover 2019 Update.

What tools are there to open or fix broken workspaces?

kbadmin — Tue, 23 Jul 2019 02:12:28 GMT

Occurrence

I am trying to open a MapInfo Workspace (.WOR) file, but it cannot find files and/or does not open successfully.

How can I fix this?

Solution

If the issue is due to a missing file, Mapinfo Pro will ask a user to locate the file.

Alternatively, under DISCOVER>Workspaces>Workspace Advanced will allow you to find the problems in the workspace file, and skip or correct these.

Also Discover>Table Utilities>Workspace Editor will aid you in batch editing the file paths when the data file locations have changed.

MapInfo Pro 64-bit also introduced a .WOX file that is saved alongside the .WOR file. This WOX file saves the window positions and arrangement, such as tool windows and floating map windows. This may cause issues opening a workspace, and you can try to rename the .WOX file. When opening a workspace that does not have a matching .WOX file, Mapinfo will automatically generate a default file.

Advice for setting up workspaces to be shared on a network or cloud drive

kbadmin — Fri, 14 Dec 2018 01:57:13 GMT

Occurrence

I have a my GIS data and workspaces saved in a folder. This is stored on a network drive, or a cloud drive such as Dropbox, Onedrive etc.

How can I setup my workspaces, so that other user can open them without error?

Solution

By default MapInfo Pro has logic to save a workspace with either absolute paths, or relative.

If you save a workspace in a folder, with all referenced TAB files in sub-folders below the .WOR file, then the file paths will automatically be relative (such as .\GISData\map.tab).

Alternatively you can use the Discover tool, DISCOVER>Workspaces>Workspace Editor. This has the option to Set All Paths Relative, regardless of where the are stored.

Finally, when opening a workspace you can define a folder to search. Note, this may take a long time to search if you reference a folder that has a large number of files and sub folders.

You can set this under PRO>Options>System>Directories. Set the Search Directories for Tables, to add folders where the tables should be found, such as the network or cloud folders.

Datamine Discover KB - Workspaces

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

Discover 2019 - opening workspaces containing certain ECW files crashes

What tools are there to open or fix broken workspaces?

Advice for setting up workspaces to be shared on a network or cloud drive