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"Access can't start because there is no license for it on this machine" error when launching Access

  • Applies to: Access 2010, Microsoft Office Access 2007

Symptoms

You receive the following error when launching Access 2007 or Access 2010:

Microsoft Access can't start because there is no license for it on this machine.

Cause

There is a permissions issue in the registry that is preventing Access from opening correctly.

Resolution

Follow the steps below to assign the appropriate permissions:

  1. Select the Start button and then select Run.

  2. Type Regedit, and then press Enter.

  3. Navigate to the following registry key:

    Access 2007

    HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Licenses\73A4C9C1-D68D-11d0-98BF-00A0C90DC8D9\12.0\Retail

    Access 2010

    HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Licenses\73A4C9C1-D68D-11d0-98BF-00A0C90DC8D9\14.0\Retail

    Note

    You may run into the permissions issue anywhere from the GUID to the Retail key. If you run into the permissions issue on the GUID, you also need to repeat steps 4 – 10 on the 12.0 or 14.0 key as well as the Retail key.

  4. Right-click the key and then choose Permissions.

  5. Select Advanced.

  6. Select the Owner tab.

  7. Change the owner to Administrators.

  8. Select Apply and then select OK.

  9. Select Add, type Everyone, and then select Ok.

  10. Ensure that Full Control is checked, and then select Ok.