Stuck with the annoying error message “Microsoft Access you attempted to open a database that is already opened by user ‘admin’ on machine”? Well, it usually means that Access believes the DB file is still in use by another instance. This can occur even when you’re sure you’ve closed it properly. Fortunately, this error can be fixed by applying some effective ways.
Today, in this article I am going to share the 7 best methods to fix Access you attempted to open a database error.
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What Causes Access You Attempted to Open a Database (Error 3704)?
It can be confusing, but the message states that there’s a lock on the database file, preventing it from opening. However, it happens due to a wide variety of reasons, including:
- Too many apps or instances of Access running in the background.
- Corrupted Access database file.
- Incompatible file format.
- Multiple users accessing the same database.
- The DB file is might set to read-only mode or locked.
As you have extracted the major reasons, now it’s time to solve Access 3704 error with the best tricks.
How to Fix “MS Access You Attempted to Open a Database That Is Already Opened” Error?
Follow these steps to overcome this hectic situation:
Method 1- Restore Backup File
The very first solution you can try is restoring from a backup. Thus, if you have earlier created a backup copy of your file, you can simply restore it from backup.
Method 2- Fix Microsoft Access You Attempted to Open a Database Error by Closing Unnecessary Instances
When there are too many apps or instances of Access running in the OS background, it is obvious to encounter such Access runtime error. In such instances, it is vital to stop such programs to deal with the issue.
- Press the Ctrl+Alt+Delete keys to open the Task Manager.
- After that, you’ll see a list of instances operating currently.
- Click on Processes page and stop programs one by one by clicking End Process.
If this method fails to work, try the next one.
Method 3- Check & Change the File format
Sometimes, an incompatible file format leads to MS Access you attempted to open a database that is already opened error. However, if the file format isn’t supported by your Access version, consider converting it to a compatible format.
Method 4- Add a New Trusted Location
Many users have reported that adding a new trusted location helped them to fix this problem. To do so, follow these steps:
- Open Access application >> click Options.
- Then, click Trust Center >> Trust Center Settings.
- After this, go to the Trusted Locations >> Add new location.
- Once added the new location, try to access the file and check for the error.
Method 5- Delete the Lock File (.ldb or .laccdb)
If you’re assured the database isn’t open, the next step is to find and delete the lock file. This file is stored in the same folder as your database & is automatically formed when the DB is opened. However, you can delete it to solve this error message:
- Close all the instances of Access.
- Navigate to the folder containing your DB file.
- Look for a file with the “.ldb” or “.laccdb” extension & delete it.
Method 6- Ensure the Database File is Not Locked
Your file might likely be locked or set to read-only mode so you are facing this error. Hence, it is significant to check & change this mode in Access. For this, follow these steps:
- Locate the Access file >> right-click on it.
- Next, click on the Properties >> General
- Navigate to the Attributes section >> uncheck Read-only checkbox.
- Finally, click apply >> OK.
And you are done!
Method 7- Repair your Corrupted Access Database
Corruption in the Access database file is another foremost reason for the occurrence of Access you attempted to open a database. In such a situation, it is suggested to opt for a Compact and Repair tool. It is a free built-in utility of Access that helps to repair corrupt database files.
Follow these instructions carefully to know how this tool works:
- Open Access database >> go to the File > Info.
- At this time, click on the Compact & Repair Database.
- Select the corrupt DB file >> click OK.
Apart from Compact and Repair, you can even use Access Repair Software. This tool is highly innovative and can repair severe corruption in the database and restore all the objects such as tables, forms, reports, queries, modules, etc that are stored within it.
* 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.
Unique FAQs:
How Do I Fix an Access Database That Won’t Open?
To fix an Access database that won’t open, you can try moving the DB file to a trusted location.
Which Tab Is Used to Open an Existing Database?
The File tab is used to open an existing database.
How You Can Open the Database in Access?
Navigate to the location where the Access database is stored. Then, double-click on the database file to open it in the default mode.
What Mode Allows Multiple Users to Open and Use the Database at The Same Time?
Multi-User Mode allows more than one connection (user) to open and use the database at a time.
Which Command Is Used to Open an Existing Database?
The Open Database File (OPNDBF) command is generally used to open an existing database.
Time to Wrap Up
Microsoft Access you attempted to open a database that is already opened by user ‘admin’ on machine error is one of the challenging issues that is faced by several Access users. Fortunately, there are various possible methods to troubleshoot this error.
Above, I have specified 7 methods to resolve this error. So, without any worry keep trying them until your problem is solved.
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.