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Microsoft Access access

Anonymous
2020-10-02T14:27:58+00:00

Hey MS fam,

I'm working on accessing two Access databases; however, when I open the file, an Access window appears but with no ribbon, no file options, no data, nothing. It's just a window with a red bar. 

When I open Access alone, without opening an Access file, it tells me "The MS Access runtime is installed... you must open an Access file," then closes. 

We have uninstalled and reinstalled Office 365, checked file permissions, but come up with nothing. 

Thank you!

Luke

Microsoft 365 and Office | Access | For home | Windows

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Tom van Stiphout 40,201 Reputation points MVP Volunteer Moderator
2020-10-02T14:30:58+00:00

That's by design.

The free runtime version of Access is there only (as the name suggests) to run existing applications, not to design new ones as one can do with the paid full version. So you need to create a shortcut:

<path-to>msaccess.exe <path-to>your.accde

This application better be designed for runtime environments, for example sporting a custom ribbon, or a startup form.

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  1. Tom van Stiphout 40,201 Reputation points MVP Volunteer Moderator
    2020-10-02T15:12:34+00:00

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  2. Anonymous
    2020-10-02T14:54:55+00:00

    Thank you so much, Tom. 

    So this is a license issue? I was under the impression that Access came with the Office 365 suite, but I suppose that is false and that this free run-time version is the packaged app. I will check in with IT to see if they have a license for me.

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