Above and beyond having full control on the folder, is the Access database stored in a shared location that Tableau can access via \\SomeMachineName\SomeShareName? It can't just go directly to the file system.

So break this up a bit – forget the linked tables to SharePoint Lists for a moment. Are you able to access native JET tables inside an Access database in that share from Tableau Server?

"Who's JET?  JET's dead baby. JET's dead"

Yeah, I might open a support case on this one, then. While our folks won't really be able to help you figure out why JET is returning that error message under certain circumstances, there might be some institutional experience around why this is happening.

One other thing you might try, if you're familair with the goold old SysInternals tools - Use ProcessMon to watch what happens as you open the linked Tables in Access itself - note what temp files / etc are getting created, what registry keys are getting tickled, etc. Repeat with Tableau and see if there are some failures that weren't there before

BTW, have you looked into a codeplex library called "SLAM!" (SLAM! SharePoint List Association Manager - Home)? It's some sort of project that allows (more) direct access to SharePoint tables. I have no idea how it works, but I'd imagine connecting directly to the SharePoint tables in SQL Server (or copies thereof, which is what I think "SLAM!" does) would be more viable long term than an Access database sitting in a file share.

Hi David,Russell,

I am facing same issue.

I am using MS access 2010 with linked tables pointing to Sharepoint list 2010. I have created extract  of access data source. I am able to refresh extract manually on desktop. I have scheduled refresh extract on server ,But I am getting unknown failure error.

I have placed MS access database(.accdb file) on shared drive location on which Tableau Server account has full permissions . Also, Tableau server has required access to linked sharepoint lists.

Below is snapshot of alert (error)

Any suggestions/Workaround would be helpful.

Thanks,

Rekha Bathla

Please open a support case?

Things you might try:

• Drop another access database in the same location as the first. Are you able to refresh from that? If not, your file permissions might be bad
• Did you install the Access database drivers on the server?

Thanks Russell.

I  already tried:

• Able to refresh from access database having native table inspite of linked tables( placed in same location)
• Access database drivers are already there.

Can you please guide how to open a support case for this..

Here you go:

http://www.tableausoftware.com/support/request

I have a similar issue with a different Sharepoint 2007 and access 2000 and desktop 8.1.3.  I have submitted a ticket, ticket#00978240.

If there has been a resolution of how to get data from tableau server via below path, let me know.

Tableau Server->Microsoft Access Database->Linked table->Sharepoint List

The closest fixes that i have seen are

"Database error 0x80004005: ODBC connection failed" Error | Tableau Software

Thanks,

Scott McEvilly

I suspect the cause may be the driver version on the Tableau Server host(s).  I suspect the 2007 Access driver (JET) is installed and you'll either need the 2010 or the 2013.  I am not sure of the availability of the 2013 version though.

Starting with the 2010, make sure to match the bitness to your Tableau Server installation:

Drivers & Activation | Tableau Software

I realize it has been a while, but did anyone resolve this issue? I'm experiencing the same issue and Tableau Support has not been able to help thus far.