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;