uses Bde; 
 
function BDEInstalled: Boolean; 
begin 
 Result := (dbiInit(nil) = 0) 
end; 

procedure TForm1.Button1Click(Sender: TObject); 
begin 
 if BDEInstalled then 
 ShowMessage('BDE is installed.') 
 else 
 ShowMessage('BDE is not installed.') 
end;