In the realm of database management, Access and SharePoint are two convenient tools. MS Access offers a platform for creating & managing databases, whereas SharePoint is a collaboration tool for storing, organizing, and sharing data within organizations. However, sometimes users may encounter the “Microsoft Access could not connect to the site you specified SharePoint.” error when trying to connect the Access database with SharePoint.
In this blog, we will delve deeper into understanding this error, its causes, and most significantly how to fix it.
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Quick Fixes:
Understanding ‘Could Not Connect to SharePoint Online’ Error
When users encounter could not connect to SharePoint online error, it simply means that there is an issue or a failure while establishing a connection between Access & specified SharePoint site. However, the occurrence of this warning message can hamper the seamless flow of data online between the two platforms.
What Causes Access Could Not Connect to SharePoint?
Several reasons can contribute to a connection to the SharePoint site cannot be established issue. Here we have shortlisted the most common causes:
- Network Issues – Poor or unstable network connectivity can hinder the communication between MS Access & SharePoint, causing this peculiar message.
- Improper Permissions to Access the SharePoint Site- If you don’t have the required permissions to read, write, and modify data in SharePoint, Access can’t connect to the SharePoint site and shows an error.
- SharePoint Server Configuration Issues- Misconfigurations in the SharePoint server settings or restrictions imposed by server configurations.
How to Fix Microsoft Access Could Not Connect to The Site You Specified SharePoint?
Try the following workarounds to troubleshoot this error. But before that ensure that your network connection is stable.
Method 1- Add The Enablelegacylistauth Registry Entry
Note:
If you are an Access 2016 database user then click on the Run version 1804 (build 9226.2114) or MSI version (build 16.0.4690.1000) or install some later version to opt for this method.
Here is the complete step to add the EnableLegacyListAuth registry entry. Just follow it carefully.
- First, open your Registry Editor. After that locate and choose the following registry subkey:
For 32-bit Office on 32-bit Windows or 64-bit Office on 64-bit Windows
- For Access 2016
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Office\16.0\List
- For Access 2013
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Office\15.0\List
For 32-bit Office on 64-bit Windows
- For Access 2016
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node\Microsoft\Office\16.0\List
- For Access 2013
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node\Microsoft\Office\15.0\List
- Go to the edit Now hit the new option and then hit the DWORD Value.
- Enter the EnableLegacyListAuth and then from your keyboard hit the enter
- Make right-click on EnableLegacyListAuth and then choose the Modify option.
- Now from the Value data box, you have to type 1 and then hit the OK button.
- Look for the following registry key:
- For Access 2016
HKCU\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Office\16.0\Common\Identity
- For Access 2013
HKCU\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Office\15.0\Common\Identity
- It’s compulsory to enter the value of EnableADALis 0.
- Now take an exit from the Registry Editor.
Also Read: Fixing Access ‘Could Not Use File Already in Use’ in Seconds!
Method 2- Refresh The List to Fix Access Could Not Connect To The Site You Specified SharePoint Error
To refresh the list, follow these steps:
- Press CTRL + Shift + ESC to open your Windows Task Manager.
- From its running app list choose Microsoft Access and hit the End task button.
- Now reopen your Access database.
- Make right-click on the Access linked table and choose More Options >> Refresh List.
- Log in by making use of the credentials.
Method 3- Programmatically Relink The List
Follow these below-given steps for relinking up the SharePoint list:
- Open your Windows Task Manager. From its running app list choose Microsoft Access and hit the End task button.
- Now reopen the database and then create a new module.
- In the VBA code, opt for the RefreshLink method of the TableDefs collection for the linked tables:
VBCopy
Public Function TableRelinkSample()
CurrentDb.TableDefs(“<TableName>”).RefreshLink
End Function
Note:
If there is a multiply linked SharePoint list, then call for the RefreshLink for each of the single tables only once.
- Now call the TableRelinkSample()function from the startup code or AutoExec macro in the database.
Also Read: Fix “The Microsoft Access Database Engine Could Not Find the Object” Error
Method 4- Uncheck the Server Certificate Revocation Option
Unchecking the server certificate revocation option in Internet Explorer can fix a connection to the SharePoint site cannot be established error to verify the address of the site SharePoint site.
- Start the Internet Explorer.
- Then click on Tools and then on Options.
- And click on the Advanced tab and scroll down to the Security section.
- Now uncheck the box “Check for server certificate revocation“.
Method 5- Checking for Permissions
Another very effective resolution to deal with this error message is to verify the necessary permissions. It means you have sufficient permissions to connect from Microsoft Access to access the SharePoint site. Make sure that you have suitable permissions at both the SharePoint site & list level.
After this, you can take complete advantage of linked lists between SharePoint and Access database without any issues.
Method 6- Repair Corrupted Access Database
There are situations where this access database denies getting connected to SharePoint due to corruption of the database file. in that case, firstly you need to repair the corrupt Access database file. using the Access’s built-in Compact and Repair Tool. After that only you will be able to set up the connection between your database and SharePoint. To learn how to run this tool, Click Here.
But if your database is severely corrupted, you need to use the Access Repair And Recovery Tool as it is the most appropriate tool for fixing any corruption issue that occurs in your Access Database. This recovery software is one of the best ways to get rid of any kind of errors and restore your damaged database without using any backup.
* 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 Repair And Recover MS Access Database:
Frequently Asked Questions:
Will I Lose My Data If I Fix This Error Message?
No, fixing this error message cannot lead to data loss, but it is recommended to take a backup before proceeding to solve it.
Why Can’t I Access a SharePoint Site?
It might be possible that you do not have sufficient permission to access a SharePoint site.
Can I Restrict Access to A SharePoint Site?
Yes, you can access to SharePoint sites and content to users in the specific group by using the site access restriction policy.
Wrap Up
Access could not connect to SharePoint online can pose challenges in accessing & managing data between both platforms (Microsoft Access and SharePoint). However, by understanding the error and implementing the methods mentioned in this blog, you can easily solve this error and establish a better connection.
After establishing a connection between the Access database with SharePoint lists you can easily work with the lists either with the SharePoint site or using the linked tables in Access.
Still having issues? Fix them with this Access repair tool: This software repairs & restores all ACCDB/MDB objects including tables, reports, queries, records, forms, and indexes along with modules, macros, and other stuffs effectively.
- Download Stellar Repair for Access rated Great on Cnet (download starts on this page).
- Click Browse and Search option to locate corrupt Access database.
- Click Repair button to repair & preview the database objects.
Pearson Willey
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.