But Arthur couldn't simply install the 32-bit engine. He tried.
He ran the installer.
The Access Database Engine 32-bit has specific system requirements and compatibility considerations, including: access database engine 32 bit
Error: You cannot install the 32-bit version of the Microsoft Access Database Engine because you currently have 64-bit Office products installed.
When you run a Python script using pandas.read_excel() or a SQL Server query linking to an Excel sheet, you are relying on this engine. But Arthur couldn't simply install the 32-bit engine
He spent an hour combing through the registry, removing leftover traces of a 2007 version of PowerPoint Viewer that had no business being there. He restarted. He ran the 64-bit installer again.
The Application was a monster. It had been written by a contractor in 2003 who had since retired to a private island (or possibly a witness protection program). It handled the city's parking permits, dog licenses, and tax assessments. It was held together by spaghetti code and prayers. And it relied entirely on the Microsoft Access Database Engine. The Access Database Engine 32-bit has specific system
Arthur rubbed his eyes. The clock ticked toward 10:30 AM. The Director was sending him passive-aggressive emails with subject lines like URGENT: DOGS .