Linked Server - Excel via UNC

Is it possible to create a linked server to an Excel spreadsheet using a UNC?
I have no problems doing it with a file on the local server, but am having
trouble when using a UNC, which is what I really need to do. If I use no
security context, I get an upspecified error. If I specify a remote login, I
get an authentication error. I have tried domain\username and password and
without the domain name. All the articles I find on the internet only refer
to local paths.
Thanks!
Buddy
Hi,
I tested a Linked Server to Excel file on a Network share with UNC
(\\testmachine\testshare\testfile.xls) successfully. On the Security tab,
I did not enter any Logins in the Login Mapping Grid, at the bottom
selected the 'Be made without using a security context' option. It worked
fine when I had permissions on theNetwork share to Read the XLS file. when
the permissions on the network share were removed, I got an error.
I suggest that you check the following:
1. SQL Server Startup Account - Does that have Network permissions on the
share where Excel file resides
2. Current User Windows Account - Does that have Network permissions on
the share where Excel file resides
After checking these two points if you still get an error, Please send me
the exact error message that you are receiving.
Meanwhile I will compile some documentation on this issue (Security Context
used by the Linked Server to Excel Files) and keep you posted on this.
Thanks
Soma Sekhara Reddy