11 Easy Ways for Microsoft Access File Is Open in Another Program Error!

If you have encountered the error message “the action can’t be completed because the file is open in another program” when trying to delete an Access database file or move it to another location, you’re not alone. This frustrating issue can disrupt your workflow and ruin your database experience. In this blog, I will discuss the common causes, and quick resolutions to fix the Microsoft Access file is open in another program error effectively.

Screenshot of the error:

What Are the Scenarios Leading to the “File in Use” Error?

Some of the common scenarios causing this error, include:

1. Trying to open the same file concurrently in multiple programs.
2. Improper closing of Microsoft Access DB files.
3. Network glitches cause the file to be locked by another user or application.

Is It Important to Fix This Error Promptly?

Yes, it is vital to fix the Access file is open in another program error promptly. If it is not solved on time, it can potentially lead to data inconsistencies or data loss.

How to Fix Microsoft Access File Is Open in Another Program Error?

Here are some of the applicable fixes that may help you to address this MS Access another program is currently using this file problem.

Method 1- Temporary Files Deletion

Temp file Automatically gets created on your PC each time when you modify any file. It has been seen that due to the presence of these temporary files users may face problems like moving or deleting their respective files. To clear up this temporary file from your  PC’s storage follow these steps.

• Hit the Win + R button from your keyboard.
• In the opened Run window, type %temp%, and then press the Enter button.

• Now you will get the list of all the temporary files that are stored in the file explorer.

• Select them all by pressing CTRL + A button and then hit delete.

Also Read: Resolving the “Can’t Move the Focus to the Control” Error in Access

Method 2- Look For Access Database File in Task Manager

Another technique that can assist you in troubleshooting this error is ending the task of currently running the Microsoft Access file. To do so, you have to:

• Open the Task Manager by pressing Ctrl + Shift + Esc keys together.
• In the open window of the Task Manager switch to the Processes tab, this will display all the applications that are currently running on your PC.
• Make a selection of the Access database file in which you are getting the error.
• Now hit the End task option.

Method 3- Scan Viruses In The Folder to Fix Microsoft Access File Is Open in Another Program Error

If all the above two methods fail to work, the problem may have originated due to the virus intervention in the folder. If your file is associated with the virus, it will hinder you from making any changes to your file.

So, run some reliable and professional antivirus software for easy scanning and removal of viruses from your PC.

Method 4- Restart File Explorer Through Task Manager

Restarting Windows File Explorer often resolves Access file already in use errors. So, once give it a try to overcome the situation.

Follow these steps to do so:

• Open the task manager by pressing the Ctrl + Shift + Esc keys from your keyboard and switch to the Process tab.
• Scroll down till you get the Windows Explorer. Select & make a right-click over it and hit the End task button.

• Now hit the file tab and Run new task.

• In the open window, you have to type explorer.exe and then press enter.

• This whole process will restart your Windows Explorer, which ultimately resolves any type of problem that is raised in the cache file or memory section.
• One more time you need to go to the file tab and then delete it.

Method 5- Disable the Thumbnail’s Caching 

Recently Microsoft has also admitted that thumbnail caching of folders/files causes errors like “the action can’t be completed because the file is open in another program”. To resolve this issue, you need to turn off the caching of the thumbnail in hidden thumbs.db file.

• Hit the Win + R button from your keyboard.
• In the opened Run window, type gpedit.msc >> press the Enter button.

• Now follow this path: “User Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Windows Components -> File Explorer.”

• Move to the right pane and double-click over the option “Turn off the caching of thumbnails in hidden thumbs.db files.
• Choose the previous setting option and then hit the ok.

• After doing this, the entire thumbnail which is present in the file explorer will now go disabled.  so now you can do any action that you need to do with your Access database file.
• For re-enabling caching instead of choosing previous settings you need to choose the not configured.

Method 6- Ensure the Database File is Not Locked

There could be a huge possibility that your Access file might be set to read-only mode or locked. Therefore, ensure to change this mode and unlock your file. To do so, you have to:

• Right-click on your Access file that is displaying the error.
• Select Properties and switch to the General tab.

• Then in the Attributes section uncheck the Read-only option.
• Hit the apply and then ok.

• After doing all these changes, now you can easily modify your access database files/folders without any issue.

Also Read: Microsoft Access Can’t Append All the Records in The Append Query- Don’t Skip!

Method 7- Disable Thumbnails By Changing The Performance Options

Apart from disabling the thumbnail caching, you can also disable thumbnails by making some modifications to the performance option.

 Here are the steps that you need to follow for disabling the thumbnail:

• Go to Windows search & type the View advanced system settings >> choose the result.
• Now you have to go to the Advanced >> performance section and tap over the settings.

• In the opened window of performance options you have to untick the option ”Show thumbnails instead of icons”.

• Hit apply and then the ok.

After completely disabling the thumbnails, once more try to access your database file to confirm whether the error has been resolved.

Method 8- Run the Access Application in Safe Mode

You can even try starting your Access application in safe mode to troubleshoot the Microsoft Access file is open in another program error message. This will disable all the conflicting third-party apps and faulty add-ins that are causing the problem. To launch Microsoft Access in Safe Mode, hold down the Ctrl key while opening the application.

Method 9- Clear The Recycle Bin

If you are frequently getting this warning message, clearing out the recycle bin folder will going to work. Maybe it sounds like a weird solution to you, but many users claim that clearing the recycle bin worked for them.

Follow the steps to empty the recycle bin:

• On your desktop there is a Recycle bin icon, make a right-click over it.
• Choose the Empty Recycle Bin.

Method 10- Stop Sharing For The Problematic Folder

MS Access another program is currently using this file error also occurs that a specific file is being shared with some other users. So to fix this, you are advised to immediately stop sharing the folder and check whether it resolved the issue or not.

Below are the complete steps to perform this task:

1. Search for the files or folder in which you are frequently getting this Access database file is open in another program error.
2. Make a right-click over it and then from the menu select the Share with > Stop sharing option.

Once you stop sharing the file, you will be able to delete, move, or rename your file without the occurrence of any error.

Don’t Miss: Fix Access You Can’t Delete The Database Object Error

Method 11- Repair MS Office

If the error persists after following the above methods, consider repairing your Microsoft Office installation. To know the complete steps, Click Here.

Related FAQs:

Why Are Access Files Blocked?

Your Access file may be blocked due to Malware (malicious software) on your computer.

Can I Prevent Other Users from Accessing My Access Files?

Yes, by using exclusive mode in MS Access, you can prevent other users from accessing your database files instantaneously.

How Do I Fix ‘This Action Cannot Be Completed Because the File Is Open in Another Program’?

You can fix this action cannot be completed because the file is open in another program by ensuring the file is not set to read-only mode or opening the file in a safe mode.

Closure!

Encountering Access “the action can’t be completed because the file is open in another program” error can be frustrating. However, by following the steps outlined in this blog, you’ll be back to accessing your Access files effortlessly in no time. Remember, persistence & patience are key when fixing technical issues, and don’t hesitate to seek further support if needed.

Apart from this, if you have any questions related to this article, feel free to contact us on our official Facebook page.

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1. Download Stellar Repair for Access rated Great on Cnet (download starts on this page).
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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.