MDAC (Microsoft Data Access Components) can become corrupted in some cases, this is typically seen when you are unable to open a Microsoft Access database, connect to it through ODBC, or in some cases can be the cause to why SMS or Control gets stuck on “loading reports…”. These steps should only be taken once you have excluded all other potential causes from being the problem.

Windows XP with Service Pack 2 contains MDAC version 2.81, which is currently not available for download at the Microsoft Web site as a standalone installation. If you try to install MDAC 2.8, which is the latest available standalone download of MDAC, you will receive a message that you already have a newer version of MDAC installed. Therefore, under Windows XP SP2, you must manually repair MDAC 2.81 as outlined below.

  1. In Windows Explorer, open the c:\Windows\Inf folder.
    1. Note If you cannot see the c:\Windows\Inf folder, follow these steps:
    2. On the desktop, double-click My Computer, and then on the Tools menu, click Folder Options.
    3. Click the View tab.
    4. Under Advanced settings, select the Show hidden files and folders check box.
    5. Clear the Hide extensions for known file types check box.
    6. Click OK.
  2. In the C:\Windows\Inf folder, right-click the Mdac.inf file, and then click Install.
  3. When you are prompted to insert the Windows XP SP2 CD, use one of the following methods:
    1. If you have a Windows XP SP2 CD:

### Insert the Windows XP Service Pack 2 CD in the CD or DVD drive

> **Note** If a "Welcome to Microsoft Windows XP" message appears, click **Exit**.

### Click Browse.

### In the File name box, type CD or DVD drive that contains the Windows XP Service Pack 2 CD drive letter:\i386. For example, type d:\i386 if the Windows XP Service Pack 2 CD is in drive D.

### Click Open.

  1. If you do not have a Windows XP SP2 CD:

### In the File name box, type %systemroot%\windows\servicepackfiles\i386, and then click Open.

### When prompted for adcjavas.inc, point to C:\Windows\servicepackfiles\i386

> **Note:** If you cannot find this folder put the Windows CD into your CD drive and browse for that file.

### When prompted for the file handler.reg, either point to C:\Program Files\Common Files\System\msadc, or put the Windows XP CD in your CD-ROM drive.

### When prompted for MDACRdMe.htm, point to C:\Program Files\Common Files\System\Ado. If this file is not present rename the file MDACReadme.htm to MDACRdMe.htm.

### When prompted for oledbjvs.inc, point to C:\Program Files\Common Files\System\Ole DB.

### When prompted for mssoap1.dll, point to C:\Program Files\Common Files\MSSoap\Binaries.

### When prompted for mssoapr.dll, point to C:\Program Files\Common Files\MSSoap\Binaries (or below its subfolders).

  1. You may also be prompted for the original Windows XP CD that was used to install the operating system.
    1. Insert the Windows XP Service Pack 2 CD in the CD or DVD drive.

**Note** If a "Welcome to Microsoft Windows XP" message appears, click **Exit**.

  1. Click Browse.
  2. In the File name box, type CD or DVD drive that contains the Windows XP Service Pack 2 CD drive letter:\i386. For example, type d:\i386 if the Windows XP Service Pack 2 CD is in drive D.
  3. Click Open.

Note: In the case you cannot find those files in the given folders search the whole hard disk for them.

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