This same file can be opend with a Data control. In this case, I must select
"Record source" with "annu"  (name of the .dbf file). If record source is
not given, I get a message quite like with my application.

Thanks for your answers.

Source of the application :

Dim Db As Database
Dim Rs As Recordset

Private Sub Form_Load()
    Dim sn As Recordset
    Set Db = OpenDatabase("c:\annu.dbf", False, False, "dBase IV;")
    ......
    End Sub

IIRC to open a dbase database you enter the directory in which the .dbf
file(s) reside.  The "database" will consist of all the .dbf files in that
directory.  Thus I think you should use:

    set Db = OpenDatabase("c:", False,False, "dBase IV;")

HTH

Peter