Runtime error 217 is a general Windows error that occurs when an application cannot load a required dynamic-link library (DLL) or registry component. In Autodata, the memory address 00580d29 specifically points to a failure in initializing the database engine or licensing components. The most common causes include:

Navigate to C:\Program Files (x86)\Common Files\Borland Shared\BDE . Find and run it as Administrator. Go to the Configuration tab. Expand Drivers > Native > PARADOX .

Autodata uses hardcoded security algorithms tied to your computer's clock. If your system time is incorrect, or if your regional format causes a conflict with the database structure, Error 217 will occur.

If re-registering the DLL doesn't work, a clean reinstallation is the next best step.

To fix this specific runtime error, technical users generally follow a tiered troubleshooting approach:

Follow these methods in order to resolve the error and get Autodata running again. Method 1: Run Autodata as an Administrator

Many users resolve this by manually registering common DLLs. Open Command Prompt as Administrator regsvr32 stdole32.tlb Repair Windows System Files: System File Checker (SFC) to replace damaged OS components: sfc /scannow in an elevated Command Prompt and press Follow this with the DISM repair command dism /online /cleanup-image /restorehealth Reinstall Visual C++ Packages: Download and install the latest versions of the Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable official Microsoft site Perform a Clean Reinstall: Uninstall Autodata completely. Restart your computer.

Next, type this command and press Enter: regsvr32 borlndmm.dll (This registers a fresh instance of the file) Restart your computer.

Core Windows files required for the application's environment are corrupted. Stack Overflow Recommended Fixes Register Essential DLLs:

AutoData relies on Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable packages. Missing or wrong versions of these can trigger a runtime error.

Based on technical reviews and community feedback, users have successfully resolved this error using the following methods: