How do I get Microsoft Access to quit blocking macros?

Question

Access is stopping the macros I wrote under a different version and will no longer execute the macros.

Answer 1

Hi Billy Woods

Thank you for reaching out to the Microsoft Q&A Forum. 

Based on your description, it sounds like the macros were created in an earlier version of Access and may now be blocked when you open the database in your current version. 

When you open the database in Access, do you see any message? If so, and the message looks similar to the one shown below, you might consider trying the suggestions mentioned earlier by Q&A Assist.

1.Add the folder where the database file is stored as a Trusted Location. 

-Go to File > Options > Trust Center > Trust Center Settings > Trusted Locations. 

-Make sure to tick “Subfolders of this location are also trusted.”

2.Temporarily Enable Macros in Trust Center Settings. 

If the issue still persists, could you please share a bit more information so I can better understand your scenario?

-Which version of Access was the database originally created in?

-Which version of Access are you currently using?

-Are the macros blocked immediately when opening the database, or does the database open but the macros do not run as expected?

If you see any message that is different from the one mentioned above, please share the exact message with me via private message to avoid exposing any personal or sensitive information.

I look forward to your update.

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Answer 2

To stop Microsoft Access from blocking your macros, you need to adjust the macro settings in the Trust Center. Here’s how you can do that:

1. Open Microsoft Access.
2. Go to File > Options.
3. In the Access Options dialog, select Trust Center from the left pane.
4. Click on Trust Center Settings.
5. In the Trust Center, select Macro Settings.
6. Choose the option that fits your needs. For example, you can select Disable all macros except digitally signed macros or Enable all macros (not recommended due to security risks).
7. Click OK to save your changes.

Keep in mind that enabling all macros can expose your system to security risks, so it's advisable to use the more restrictive settings unless you are sure of the safety of the macros you are using.

If your macros are still being blocked, ensure that the database is located in a trusted folder or that the digital signature is valid if you are using signed macros.

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References:

• The digital signature in Access is tampered with or invalidated
• Use policies to manage how Office handles macros