Specify whether OLE links are saved in OLE version 2.x or 1.x format

You can specify whether Microsoft Access saves OLE links in OLE version 2.x format, which saves both relative and absolute link source references, or OLE 1.x format, which saves only absolute references. (An absolute link source reference obtains data from an object that's stored as a file. A relative link source reference obtains data from an object that may be embedded within a document.) In an environment where both Microsoft Access 2002 and Microsoft Access version 1.x are used, set this option to 1 to ensure consistency of OLE linking operations in Microsoft Access 1.x databases.

Caution   Many Microsoft Access registry settings are added automatically when you install Microsoft Access. Changing the installed settings can produce unexpected results, which may make it necessary to reinstall Microsoft Access. It is strongly recommended that you not change settings in the Microsoft Windows registry. However, if you must change registry settings or options, use the Windows Registry Editor, and change only those settings or options that are explicitly documented. The revised settings take effect the next time you start Microsoft Access. It is recommended that you back up all of the registry, or at least the part you will be editing. For information, look up "backing up the registry" in the index of the Registry Editor Help (available on the menu bar of the Registry Editor).

1. Start the Registry Editor.

   How?

   1. To run the Registry Editor, click the Microsoft Windows Start button, click Run, type regedit, and then click OK.
   2. Navigate to the appropriate registry subkey. The two main subkeys that contain settings that affect Microsoft Access are:

      \HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE
      \Microsoft\Office\10.0\Access

      \HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE
      \Microsoft\Jet\4.0

      If there is a plus (+) to the left of the subkey, that registry subkey contains additional subkeys. To edit a registry subkey's value, double-click the subkey in the left pane of the Registry Editor window to open it, and then double-click the value you want to edit in the right pane of the Registry Editor window. In some cases, you may need to add new subkeys or values. For information on how to add new subkeys and values, use the Registry Editor Help.

2. Navigate to the \HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE
   \SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Office\10.0\Access subkey of the registry.
3. Double-click the \Options subkey. If AllowOLE1LinkFormat is already listed in the Name column on the right pane of the Registry Editor, skip to step 6.
4. On the Edit menu, point to New, and then click DWORD Value.
5. Type AllowOLE1LinkFormat and press ENTER.
6. Double-click AllowOLE1LinkFormat, and then, in the Value Data box, enter 1 to save in OLE 1.x link format or 0 to save in OLE 2.x link format.
7. Exit the Registry Editor.
8. Exit and restart Microsoft Access to use the new settings.