You may receive the Microsoft Access was unable to initialize the Windows Registry error when opening the MS Access application. However, it is quite common to encounter this error message, and irritating too. Though in this blog, I will discuss the common causes behind this Access database error & effective workarounds to fix it. I will also mention the versatile MS Access Repair Tool that can help you to fix the below-shown error if it occurs due to database corruption.
So, let’s get started…
Free MS Access Database Repair Tool
Repair corrupt MDB and ACCDB database files and recover deleted database tables, queries, indexes and records easily. Try Now!
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Error Detail:
Error name: Microsoft Office Access can’t be started
Error number: Error 7899
Description: Microsoft Access can’t be started. @Microsoft Office Access was unable to initialize the Windows Registry. @Rerun Microsoft Office Access or Microsoft Office Setup to reinstall Microsoft Office Access.@1@@185309@3.
Reasons for Microsoft Access Can’t Be Started Unable To Initialize the Windows Registry
There are a wide variety of reasons behind the occurrence of Access database error 7899 (unable to initialize the Windows Registry)
- Due to Corrupted Registry Files
- Virus or Malware Infection
- Lack of Adequate Permissions
- Registry Key or Value Errors
- 3rd-Party Software Conflict.
How to Fix Microsoft Access Was Unable to Initialize the Windows Registry Error?
Follow the below step-by-step methods to troubleshoot this error with less effort.
Fix 1- Try Some Basic Tricks
- Try to hard reboot your system to restore the Windows registry.
- If still after rebooting, the problem persists then perform the modify / repair on the MS Access in Program And Files.
Fix 2- Review The Loadappinit_Dlls Registry Key
Set the LoadAppInit_DLLs registry key must be set to 0, but another program may have changed its value.
- Hit the WINDOWS-R from your keyboard. This will open the Run option.
- Enter the REGEDIT and tap the OK button.
- This will open the Registry Editor, now search for the LoadAppInit_DLLs:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Windows\LoadAppInit_DLLs
- Double-tap the value present for LoadAppInit_DLLs in the Data
- In the opened Edit DWORD dialog box, you have to set Value Data to 0.
- Now shut down the Registry Editor.
- After that restart your PC and start the Access database application again.
Fix 3- Assign Appropriate Permissions to Fix Microsoft Access Was Unable to Initialize the Windows Registry
Another effective method that can help you to solve this error code 7899 is to assign the appropriate permissions. Follow the below steps to do so:
- Tap the Start button and then hit the Run option.
- Type Regedit and then press the enter button.
- Search for 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 encounter the permission problem from the GUID to the retail key. If you are getting the GUID permission problem, then repeat steps 4 to 10 on the retail key or on the 12.0 or 14.0 key.
- Make a right-click on the key and then select Permissions.
- Tap to the Advanced option.
- Choose the Owner.
- Now change the owner to the Administrators.
- Hit the Apply option and then tap the OK button.
- Tap Add type everyone and then hit the Ok option.
- Check the full control and hit the Ok.
Fix 4- Remove The Safety
It is the simplest and safest workaround to fix Microsoft Access cannot be started was unable to initialize the Windows Registry error. In this, you have to disable the UAC, and then use it as an administrative account.
Warning: This will degrade your system’s Windows security so be careful if you are performing this solution. Malware will automatically get installed in Windows XP and the previous version.
Login into your PC as a system administrator and then follow the below steps:
- Open the Control Panel.
- After that make double-tap on the User Accounts.
- Tap the “Turn User Account Control on or off” option.
- Un-tick the option, Use User Account Control (UAC) as this will ultimately help you to protect your PC.
- At last hit the Ok.
Now you can easily switch the MS Access versions because you must be in the older versions of Windows.
Also Read: Fix Access You Can’t Delete The Database Object Error
Fix 5- Use Run As Administrator
Make a shortcut for running each of your msaccess.exe files as an administrator. This will allows each of your Access versions to get register by itself on the start-up.
For making this setup, follow the below steps:
- Delete if any shortcuts were previously created meanwhile installing the MS Office program.
- Now you have to create shortcuts to msaccess.exe from each version of your MS Office program.
- Make a right-click on the shortcut and then from the list of options choose the Properties button.
- Now hit the Advanced button and then make a check across the Run as Administrator box.
So whenever you start your Access application, you need to hit the continue option from the opened dialog box of User Account Control.
If you are an Access 2007 user then you don’t need to use the Run As Administrator option as you can use the normal shortcut.
Note: After doing such changes, just switch to some other version and come back to the previous one before your MS Access application register itself for the correct library.
Recommended Way: Fix Access Database Corruption
If you are continuously facing Microsoft Access can not be started error when trying to access your database, you must opt for Access Database Repair Software. It might possible that you are getting this error message due to Access database corruption that can be only fixed by this tool.
This utility deeply scans the corrupt DB file to recover its components with their original attributes. Moreover, it can recover lost records from linked tables, triggers, indexes, queries, etc.
So, just download and install this tool to repair your corrupted Access MDB or ACCDB file and solve this error.
* 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
Also Read: Fix Access “Compile Error: Can’t Find Project or Library”
Related FAQs:
What Does Microsoft Access Can’t Be Started Error Mean?
Microsoft Access can’t be started unable to initialize the Windows Registry error simply means that there’s an issue preventing MS Access from launching or running properly.
How Do I Enable Access Database?
To enable Access database, follow the below steps:
- Go to the File > Options.
- In the opened Access options window, click on Trust Center.
- On the right pane, go to the Microsoft Office Access Trust Center section >> Trust Center Settings.
- From the opened Trust Center dialog box, you have to make a tap over the Message Bar.
- In the right pane, tap to the option “Show the Message Bar in all applications when active content, such as macros and ActiveX controls, has been blocked”. At last click on the OK
How Do I Rerun Microsoft Access Setup?
- Close your opened Office 2010 application.
- Hit the Control Panel to open it.
- Go to the Programs and Features or Add/Remove Programs.
- Make a right-click over the Office Professional 2010 installation.
- Hit the Change button and then tap to the Add or Remove Features >> Continue.
- Choose the dropdown present on the left of the Microsoft Access and then either choose the “Run from my computer” or “Run all from my computer”.
- Tap to the Continue option. MS Office Professional 2010 will now get reconfigured.
End Note
The “Microsoft Access was unable to initialize the Windows Registry” error can trouble you & hamper your work. However, you can apply the fixes mentioned in this blog to fix it. In case, if the error has occurred due to database corruption, then try the Access Repair Tool. This will eventually solve the corruption in .MDB & .ACCDB files.
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.