I created a query to import data from an external database file (the file is local on my pc). After creating the query, I moved the file to a different directory. How do I get Excel or MsQuery to use the database file in the new location as the new source when updating?
![]() |
Patch reliability is unclear. Unless you have an immediate, pressing need to install a specific patch, don't do it. |
SIGN IN | Not a member? | REGISTER | PLUS MEMBERSHIP |
-
Can’t change reference to msquery source (XP)
Home » Forums » AskWoody support » Productivity software by function » MS Excel and spreadsheet help » Can’t change reference to msquery source (XP)
- This topic has 9 replies, 4 voices, and was last updated 21 years, 2 months ago.
Viewing 2 reply threadsAuthorReplies-
WSHansV
AskWoody LoungerFebruary 19, 2004 at 11:31 am #7870931. Interactively, it is convoluted and illogical (anyone know of a better method?)
Open the workbook.
Click somewhere in the imported data.
Click “Edit Query” on the External Data toolbar, or select Data | Import External Data | Edit Query…
You’ll get an error message “Could not find file …”
Click OK.
You’ll get a login screen. Click on Database…
Browse to the new location of the database, select it and click OK twice.
You’ll get another error message “This query can not be edited…”. Click OK.
You’ll get the error message “Could not find file …” again (!), then Microsoft Query opens.
Click the SQL button, or select View | SQL.
Edit the location of the database in the SQL string manually, then click OK.
Select File | Return data to Excel.
Phew!2. In VBA:
Dim strOldPath As String
Dim strNewPath As String
strOldPath = “C:Excel”
strNewPath = “C:Databases”
With ActiveSheet.QueryTables(1)
.CommandText = Replace(.CommandText, strOldPath, strNewPath)
.Connection = Replace(.Connection, strOldPath, strNewPath)
End With -
WSFrits
AskWoody Lounger -
WSFrits
AskWoody Lounger -
WSShane Sargent
AskWoody LoungerApril 1, 2004 at 7:32 pm #808281Ah, the beauty of the Search function! My situation was similar, but for multiple MSQuery query tables on multiple worksheets. I surrounded the code from Hans with the below and it worked wonderfully — cheers!
Dim strOldPath As String Dim strNewPath As String strOldPath = "C:Excel" strNewPath = "C:Databases" Dim wSht As Worksheet Dim allwShts As Sheets Set allwShts = Worksheets Dim strName As String 'Loop through each worksheet For Each wSht In allwShts wSht.Activate For Each QueryTable In ActiveSheet.QueryTables strName = QueryTable.Name With ActiveSheet.QueryTables(strName) .CommandText = Replace(.CommandText, strOldPath, strNewPath) .Connection = Replace(.Connection, strOldPath, strNewPath) End With MsgBox strName & "Complete" Next Next wSht MsgBox "Every MSQuery has been changed.", vbInformation
-
WSShane Sargent
AskWoody LoungerApril 1, 2004 at 7:32 pm #808282Ah, the beauty of the Search function! My situation was similar, but for multiple MSQuery query tables on multiple worksheets. I surrounded the code from Hans with the below and it worked wonderfully — cheers!
Dim strOldPath As String Dim strNewPath As String strOldPath = "C:Excel" strNewPath = "C:Databases" Dim wSht As Worksheet Dim allwShts As Sheets Set allwShts = Worksheets Dim strName As String 'Loop through each worksheet For Each wSht In allwShts wSht.Activate For Each QueryTable In ActiveSheet.QueryTables strName = QueryTable.Name With ActiveSheet.QueryTables(strName) .CommandText = Replace(.CommandText, strOldPath, strNewPath) .Connection = Replace(.Connection, strOldPath, strNewPath) End With MsgBox strName & "Complete" Next Next wSht MsgBox "Every MSQuery has been changed.", vbInformation
-
-
WSHansV
AskWoody LoungerFebruary 19, 2004 at 11:31 am #7870941. Interactively, it is convoluted and illogical (anyone know of a better method?)
Open the workbook.
Click somewhere in the imported data.
Click “Edit Query” on the External Data toolbar, or select Data | Import External Data | Edit Query…
You’ll get an error message “Could not find file …”
Click OK.
You’ll get a login screen. Click on Database…
Browse to the new location of the database, select it and click OK twice.
You’ll get another error message “This query can not be edited…”. Click OK.
You’ll get the error message “Could not find file …” again (!), then Microsoft Query opens.
Click the SQL button, or select View | SQL.
Edit the location of the database in the SQL string manually, then click OK.
Select File | Return data to Excel.
Phew!2. In VBA:
Dim strOldPath As String
Dim strNewPath As String
strOldPath = “C:Excel”
strNewPath = “C:Databases”
With ActiveSheet.QueryTables(1)
.CommandText = Replace(.CommandText, strOldPath, strNewPath)
.Connection = Replace(.Connection, strOldPath, strNewPath)
End With -
WSpieterse
AskWoody Lounger -
WSpieterse
AskWoody Lounger -
WSpieterse
AskWoody Lounger
-
Viewing 2 reply threads -

Plus Membership
Donations from Plus members keep this site going. You can identify the people who support AskWoody by the Plus badge on their avatars.
AskWoody Plus members not only get access to all of the contents of this site -- including Susan Bradley's frequently updated Patch Watch listing -- they also receive weekly AskWoody Plus Newsletters (formerly Windows Secrets Newsletter) and AskWoody Plus Alerts, emails when there are important breaking developments.
Get Plus!
Welcome to our unique respite from the madness.
It's easy to post questions about Windows 11, Windows 10, Win8.1, Win7, Surface, Office, or browse through our Forums. Post anonymously or register for greater privileges. Keep it civil, please: Decorous Lounge rules strictly enforced. Questions? Contact Customer Support.
Search Newsletters
Search Forums
View the Forum
Search for Topics
Recent Topics
-
Extended Windows Built-in Disk Cleanup Utility
by
bbearren
3 hours, 12 minutes ago -
Win 11 24H2 June 2025 Update breaks WIFI
by
dportenlanger
6 hours, 52 minutes ago -
Update from WinPro 10 v. 1511 on T460p?
by
CatoRenasci
4 hours, 10 minutes ago -
System Restore and Updates Paused
by
veteran
9 hours, 23 minutes ago -
Windows 10/11 clock app
by
Kathy Stevens
3 hours, 25 minutes ago -
Turn off right-click draw
by
Charles Billow
12 hours, 37 minutes ago -
Introducing ChromeOS M137 to The Stable Channel
by
Alex5723
16 hours, 8 minutes ago -
Brian Wilson (The Beach Boys) R.I.P
by
Alex5723
5 hours, 11 minutes ago -
Master patch listing for June 10, 2025
by
Susan Bradley
17 hours, 45 minutes ago -
Suggestions for New All in One Printer and a Photo Printer Windows 10
by
Win7and10
17 minutes ago -
Purchasing New Printer. Uninstall old Printer Software First?
by
Win7and10
23 hours, 46 minutes ago -
KB5060842 Issue (Minor)
by
AC641
1 day, 4 hours ago -
EchoLeak : Zero Click M365 Copilot leak sensitive information
by
Alex5723
1 day, 6 hours ago -
24H2 may not be offered June updates
by
Susan Bradley
5 hours, 29 minutes ago -
Acronis : Tracking Chaos RAT’s evolution (Windows, Linux)
by
Alex5723
1 day, 19 hours ago -
June 2025 updates are out
by
Susan Bradley
7 hours, 43 minutes ago -
Mozilla shutting Deep Fake Detector
by
Alex5723
2 days, 10 hours ago -
Windows-Maintenance-Tool (.bat)
by
Alex5723
1 day, 19 hours ago -
Windows 11 Insider Preview build 26200.5641 released to DEV
by
joep517
2 days, 12 hours ago -
Windows 11 Insider Preview build 26120.4250 (24H2) released to BETA
by
joep517
2 days, 12 hours ago -
Install Office 365 Outlook classic on new Win11 machine
by
WSrcull999
2 days, 12 hours ago -
win 10 to win 11 with cpu/mb replacement
by
aquatarkus
2 days, 4 hours ago -
re-install Windows Security
by
CWBillow
2 days, 16 hours ago -
WWDC 2025 Recap: All of Apple’s NEW Features in 10 Minutes!
by
Alex5723
2 days, 19 hours ago -
macOS Tahoe 26
by
Alex5723
2 days, 13 hours ago -
Migrating from win10 to win11, instructions coming?
by
astro46
4 hours, 35 minutes ago -
Device Eligibility for Apple 2026 Operating Systems due this Fall
by
PKCano
2 days, 4 hours ago -
Recommended watching : Mountainhead movie
by
Alex5723
2 days, 5 hours ago -
End of support for Windows 10
by
Old enough to know better
3 hours, 59 minutes ago -
What goes on inside an LLM
by
Michael Covington
4 hours, 56 minutes ago
Recent blog posts
Key Links
Want to Advertise in the free newsletter? How about a gift subscription in honor of a birthday? Send an email to sb@askwoody.com to ask how.
Mastodon profile for DefConPatch
Mastodon profile for AskWoody
Home • About • FAQ • Posts & Privacy • Forums • My Account
Register • Free Newsletter • Plus Membership • Gift Certificates • MS-DEFCON Alerts
Copyright ©2004-2025 by AskWoody Tech LLC. All Rights Reserved.