Autodata relies on an old Microsoft library called MSXML 4.0 to handle its data. Modern versions of Windows (10/11) usually have MSXML 6.0 or 3.0, but not 4.0. Without it, the runtime crashes.
Right-click AutoData.exe → Properties → Compatibility → Run this program in compatibility mode for Windows XP (Service Pack 3). Also check Reduced color mode (16-bit) if the error occurs during graphics rendering. autodata runtime error 217 at 004bb10d windows 10 7 8 xp
| Windows Version | Common Cause |
|----------------|---------------|
| Windows XP | Missing Visual C++ runtimes; corrupted user profile; ancient printer driver conflict. |
| Windows 7 | Incompatible security updates (KB updates breaking older Delphi apps); UAC blocking write access to ProgramData. |
| Windows 8/8.1 | Faulty installation of AutoData; broken ODBC or BDE (Borland Database Engine). |
| Windows 10 | DEP (Data Execution Prevention) or Controlled Folder Access blocking AutoData’s helper processes. | Autodata relies on an old Microsoft library called MSXML 4
AutoData relies on the now-obsolete BDE. A corrupt BDE triggers Runtime Error 217. Restart your computer and try running Autodata
To reinstall BDE cleanly:
Alternative: If you have a working AutoData installation on another PC, copy the IDAPI32.CFG and BDEADMIN.EXE files to the affected machine.