How to Fix “Enter Parameter Value” Error in MS Access?

You may experience enter parameter value Access error when you try to run a report, form, or query in the database. The Enter Parameter Value error dialogue box may appear unexpectedly. Though, in this blog, I will show you how to solve parameter value error in Access using 4 easy ways. Below you can see the real interface of this error:

Enter Parameter Value

Apart from that, you will also get a suitable Access Database Repair Tool that can assist you to solve the error if it occurred due to database corruption.

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Before approaching the fixes… let’s start with the short intro on Enter Parameter Value In Access and MS Access Parameter Query.

Quick Navigation:

What Does Enter Parameter Value Mean in Access?

Sometimes when we open an Access database objects like tables, queries, forms, reports, etc. which contain an identifier or expression and Access fails to interpret this. In that case, Access shows an Enter Parameter Value dialog box.

In some cases, it seems helpful. Suppose for an example: the creator of the database might have made a query that allows you to feed information every time the query runs.  If you hide this parameter value dialogue box by making changes in the design of your database. Then in that case, when you open any Access database objects it popup with a dialog box message that you won’t understand.

Parameter Query:

Parameter Query

Parameter Query is one such Access feature where the users give the criteria with which to filter the result.

Meanwhile running the parameter query, it asks you to enter a value. Once you give the value, it will continue running and uses this parameter value as part of the filtering criteria.

The parameter value in Access is given by the user at run-time. So, a parameter can return different results based on the user’s input.

What Causes MS Access Enter Parameter Value Error?

Here are the major reasons for this Access error:

  1. Misspelled or non-existent parameter name.
  2. The parameter is either deleted or removed.
  3. Using special characters in the parameter names.
  4. Due to incorrect security settings in Access.
  5. Database file corruption.
  6. Access objects like table, form, query, or report contain incorrect referencing expressions.

As you have known the common causes, now let’s proceed to know how to remove enter parameter value in Access table.

How to Remove Enter Parameter Value Access?

If you want to remove this parameter value error in MS Access, follow the below step-by-step methods. 

Method 1- Fix the Parameter Value Error by Renaming Valid Field Name of Reference

In order to resolve MS Access enter parameter value error, you need to rename the reference to a valid field name.

If you don’t have an idea where the reference is located actually. For this, you need to run the Database Documenter for the object listed in the Enter Parameter Value dialog box and then output the information to a text file. To perform this task, just follow these steps:

If you are a user of Access 2002 And 2003, then follow these steps:

  • From the tool menu, point to Analyze, and then click Documenter.
  • Hit the tab which belongs to the type of database objects that you are looking for and then select the checkboxes of the query, the form, or the report that you have executed.

Note: if the object is either a form or a report, include all source queries and sub-forms or sub-reports in your list of choices.

  • Click Options to specify which feature of the selected objects you need to print and then click OK.
  • To close the Documenter dialog box tap to the OK option.

MS Access Enter Parameter Value

  • From the File menu, tap to the Export option.
  • Now from the Save as type list, tap to the Text Files. Other than this fill the complete remainder information as the requirement.
  • Open the Exported file in MS Word and then search for the parameter requested in the Enter Parameter Value dialog box.

If you are an Access 2007 user then follow these steps:

  1. On the database tools tab, click Database Documenter in the Analyze
  2. Tap the tab which corresponds to the type of database object that you are looking for and then make a tick to the checkboxes of the query, the form, or the report that you tried to execute. Note: if your access object is a form or a report; include all source queries and sub-forms or sub-reports in your selection list.
  3. Hit the options to specify the features of the selected objects you want to print and then click OK.
  4. To close the Documenter dialog box hit to the OK option.
  5. From the Data group, hit the Text File, and then complete the remainder of the information as much as required.
  6. Now you can open the exported file in MS Word and then search for the parameter that is requested in the Enter Parameter Value dialog box.

If in case you are unable to run the Database Documenter, make a check whether it’s an issue of missing reference. Usually, it is seen that the most common missing reference is Utility.mda. To check for the missing reference, follow these steps:

  1. In the database window, click Modules under Objects. Note:

For Access 2007 users, click to the Database Tools tab; click Visual Basic, and then switch to Step 3.

  1. Make the selection of any existing module and then click design or insert new modules. This opens the Visual Basic Editor.
  2. From the Tools menu, click to the References option.
  3. Now from the Available References list, look for references that have “MISSING: “ text in front of the name. Tap to clear the checkbox.

enter parameter value Access

Note: if you don’t require a reference to Utility.mda, switch to step 8.

  1. Tap to the Browse option.
  2. In the Files of type list, hit the Add-ins (*.mda).
  3. Search for the folder which contains the Utility.mda, and then select it.
  4. After then hit to the Open tab option. By default, the file will be under the folder C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\Office\1033.
  5. Hit the OK option.
  6. From the Debug menu, tap to the Compile database name.
  7. On the File menu, hit the Close and Return to Microsoft Access.

Method 2- Checking Security Settings in Access

Sometimes, this error occurs due to incorrect security settings in the MS Access. The wrong settings are stopping the macros in a database from executing smoothly.

Follow the below steps for checking the security settings in MS Access to troubleshoot enter parameter value in Access:

  • Open the Microsoft Access.
  • Then, open the Access database file that is showing this error.
  • Make sure the Security Warning bar seem at the top of the Access window.
  • After this, click on that link Click for more details
  • Next, click on Enable Content option >> select the Advanced options.

Click for more details

  • Now, at bottom of a security alert, you have to check the option “Trust all documents from this publisher”.

Trust all documents from this publisher

Method 3- Run Compact & Repair Tool to Repair Database

Many users have reported that they received this error dialogue box due to database corruption. However, if this is the reason behind it, running the Access built-in Compact and Repair tool can help you to get rid of it.

To use this tool, follow the below steps:

  • Firstly, open the MS Access database (showing the error).
  • Next, click on “File” >> Info
  • After that, click on the Compact & Repair Database.

Enter Parameter Value

Recommended Way- Repair Corrupt Access Database without Data Loss

Access Repair Software is an effective tool for handling different types of errors in Access due to database corruption.

This advanced utility can help you to restore Access tables, forms, relations, indexes, and other database objects. Moreover, it has non-destructive algorithms that support repairing the linked tables & calculated data types.

* By clicking the Download button above and installing Stellar Repair for Access (14.8 MB), I acknowledge that I have read and agree to the End User License Agreement and Privacy Policy of this site.

Steps to Use Access Repair Tool

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How to Create A Parameter Query?

Here is the right way suggested for how to create a parameter query. So, have a look and try the following steps as and when you are required to create a parameter query in Access Database.

  • First of all, you need to create a query as you would create any other query. Hit the Query Design from the Create tab in the Ribbon.

  • Make selections for the table that you want to include in your query and then tap to Add option to add them to the query. Tap to Close option once you have added the tables.

create access parameter query-2

  • Add the fields you like to include in the query by making the double-tap to them in the top pane. The file comes to appear in the query pane below it.

create access parameter query-3

  • Now you need to assign parameters that the user will supply. You need to type the text between the square brackets [] as this will appear as a user prompt.

create access parameter query-4

  • The value which you feed will be used as the criteria against the specified field.

create access parameter query-5

  • Now hit the Run icon on the ribbon to run the query.

create access parameter query-6

  • Now it’s time to supply a parameter, so enter a value at the prompt box.

create access parameter query-7

  • Results returned after the execution of the parameter query are completely based on the parameter supplied.

You can also make a try by running the query again after changing the parameter to see the changes.

create access parameter query-8

Conclusion

Now you can easily fix enter parameter value Access Error on your own. But if in case you are caught in situations like missing queries or sudden corruption issues in your Access database, In such a case, just give it a try to MS Access Repair And Recovery tool. As it’s the best-recommended tool to get rid of any type of corruption issue encountered in Access Database.

tip Still having issues? Fix them with this Access repair tool:

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  1. Download Stellar Repair for Access rated Great on Cnet (download starts on this page).
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  3. Click Repair button to repair & preview the database objects.

Pearson Willey is a website content writer and long-form content planner. Besides this, he is also an avid reader. Thus he knows very well how to write an engaging content for readers. Writing is like a growing edge for him. He loves exploring his knowledge on MS Access & sharing tech blogs.