MS Access Memory Issue

Question

Programming in Access 365 but it is a 32-bit access front end with a SQL Express backend. Been using this database for years with no issues. All of a sudden starting approx. last Monday 12/12/2022 we started getting out of memory errors on the client side. Users started getting it randomly over 2 or 3 days as if it was an update.

If I open the database and watch task manager, as I open forms and close them, I see the memory usage go up when the form is opened as expected but it never goes back down to where it started from when the form is closed. We have a few form timers that run code every 2 to 5 minutes and the same thing happens, memory usage goes up when the timer triggers but when the code finishes the memory is not released.

I have run CHECKDB on the SQL Express tables, I have also run a SQL Shrink Database. On the front end, I have decompiled the database, run a compact and repair and then recompiled it.

I have been able to reproduce the issue on a computer at my house with a different access database. This database is a 64-bit database with access tables not SQL. The same thing happens, when I open forms then close them the memory usage does not return to the amount before the form was open, always just a little higher until I get the error message.

Answer 1

I have checked the Access Blog and the last update I see was on December 19th. Any updates on this issue? Are you still getting reports of this issue, have you been able to recreate it? We are still having the out of memory error. Please advise.

Sorry, I do not experience this issue, likely for two reasons:

1.) I am on the semi-annual update cycle. I see no need to be on the “bleeding edge”, continually suffer “paper cut” gifts associated with the current channel and

2. I run 64-bit Office and therefore 64-bit Access.

Answer 2

I just noticed that you said you are running 64-bit Access in your opening post. As far as I know, *ALL* current reports mentioned by Karl and George involve 32-bit Access.

How much RAM memory is installed? I suppose you could have similar problems if you have a RAM memory-starved system. In past years (10+ years ago), I’ve seen people load 64-bit Windows on a 4 GB RAM system, and wondered why they even bothered.

Are you sure you are running 64-bit Office and not just 64-bit Windows?

What are you doing with the two form timers you mentioned?

Are you making absolute sure to properly close any DAO recordsets, and set the recordset variable = Nothing, at the end of any procedures that use DAO recordset code?

Answer 3

The main access program I am having issues with is a 32 bit access application and we are running 32-bit access. I mentioned I was able to recreate the issue on a different computer with an access 64 bit program with an Access backend.

Answer 4

The main access program I am having issues with is a 32 bit access application and we are running 32-bit access. I mentioned I was able to recreate the issue on a different computer with an access 64 bit program with an Access backend.

Ah, okay. Do you remember how much RAM memory the computer with 64-bit Access had, that you were able to reproduce the problem on?

What about making sure you are properly closing any DAO recordsets? You could have been dangerously close to “tipping the apple cart” before (without knowing it), and the latest update was enough to push you over the finish line so-to-speak.

Current channel or semi-annual?

Answer 5

The computer running 64 bit Access that I was able to recreate the issue on is a custom built pc running Windows 11 (Specs below).