How do I display a custom message when the Datasheet view is not available

Problem

As users begin delving into SharePoint’s more advanced features you will undoubtedly be faced with the following error message

The list cannot be displayed in Datasheet view for one or more of the following reasons:

• A datasheet component compatible with Windows SharePoint Services is not installed.
• Your Web browser does not support ActiveX controls.
• Support for ActiveX controls is disabled.

Solution

Step 1

Browse to the following directory

C:Program FilesCommon FilesMicrosoft Sharedweb server extensions12TEMPLATELAYOUTS1033

Step 2

Locate end edit the JavaScript file OWS.JS using notepad

Step 3

Locate the following variable and customize the value of the following variable to contain the message of your choice.

var L_EditInGrid_Text=”The list cannot be displayed in Datasheet view … REPLACE WITH YOUR TEXT”;

Update the variable to contain the message of your choice.

Step 4

Apply the change to all SharePoint front end servers that server up content to your end users.