4 Ways for Access You Can’t Delete The Database Object Error!

Stuck with the Access error “you can’t delete the database object ‘filename’ while it’s open”? Well, this error typically arises when trying to delete any database component that is opened. This happens due to locked files, permission restrictions, ongoing processes, or other reasons. In this blog, I will show you why this message actually occurs and how to fix it successfully.

Why You Need To Delete Access Database Objects?

Meanwhile, the development or interactively analysis of all the queries, data, or code are well tested and created, some are also kept for future usage. Some objects stay in your database even if you don’t need them anymore.

Due to accumulating unused objects, your database starts performing too slowly. Besides this, it also generates confusion when maintaining such objects as which is of use and which one is not.

Why You Can’t Delete the Database Object in Access?

It’s obvious to get Access you can’t delete the database object error message because of permission restrictions. Apart from that, there are some other reasons as well, including:

• Locked Access database file.
• When you delete a field from the object it won’t be able to use the particular object as the source of data.
• Corrupted DB file.
• Running too many apps in the background.
• Trying to delete the DB object when the file is opened.

Also Read: Fix Access “This Object Was Saved in An Invalid Format and Cannot Be Read” Error

How To Fix Access You Can’t Delete The Database Object Error?

By following the below methods, you can easily get rid of this problem.

Way 1- Grant the Essential File Permissions

Insufficient privileges to access the DB file is the foremost reason behind this warning message. So, to tackle this situation, consider checking & modifying the file permissions. Here are the steps to do so:

• Go to the location where the database file is stored.
• Right-click on the file to choose Properties option >> Security tab.

• Next, check the granted permissions in a Group or user names 
• Click on the Edit & adjust the permissions accordingly.
• Finally, click Apply>> hit OK.

Way 2- Repair the Access DB Corruption

Sometimes, you can’t delete the database object while it’s open error occurs due to Access database file corruption. In this situation, you can go for the Compact and Repair tool. It can help you in fixing this corruption problem for free.

• Go to the File >> Info 
• Now, click on Compact & Repair Database.

When this fails, you can try the most recommended Access Repair and Recovery Tool.

Way 3- Check The Object Dependency

As we have already discussed if the deleted object’s field is still present in other sections of your database apart from the source-destination then it will generate Access can’t delete the database object error.

So checking out the object dependency is the most important thing to do before deleting Access database object.

Before deleting any object field always use the Object Dependencies pane as this will help you to find out whether any other database object also depends on the table or query from which the field is been deleted.

All in all, this gives you can opt to take a quick review on how your task of deleting the field will impact other database objects. So that you can easily make a cross-check over the complete usage of those objects.

Here is how to check the object dependencies of the Access database object before deleting it:

• Go to the Navigation Pane, choose the database object from which you want to delete.
• Hit the Database Tools tab, and then from the Relationships group, choose the option of Object Dependencies.
• The Object Dependencies pane displays the objects that depend on the query or table that you selected in step 1.

Point to remember:

If recently you haven’t used these Object Dependencies then it will take time for the dependencies to get displayed completely.

• To find out whether the database field which you are willing to delete is in use by any object, you need to click the link of the object present within Object Dependencies

Access database will show will the entire Field List pane of your selected object.

Delete Field From The Query

• On the Navigation Pane make a right-click on the query and then hit the Design View.
• From the query design grid, make a selection for the field which you need to delete. After that press the DEL button.
• At last, save and then close the query.

Delete Field From The Table

• On the Navigation Pane make a right-click on the table and then hit the Design View.
• From the table design grid, make a selection for the field which you need to delete. After that press the DEL button.
• At last, save and then close the table.

Way 4- Check for Locked File to Fix Access You Can’t Delete The Database Object

Another effective resolution you can try to solve this error is checking for a locked file.

Here are the steps to check so:

• Open database.
• Choose the Layout View>> Choose a field in which you’re unable to update data.

• Now, click on Property Sheet, tap Selection Type: Text Box dropdown >> choose the suitable option (e.g. First Name).
• After that, click on Data option >> check Locked and ensure it must be set as No.

Also Read: Fix Microsoft Access Object Already Exists Error 3012

What Are The 4 Objects In Access?

The access database is mainly composed of 4 objects: tables, queries, forms, and reports. All these Access database objects help you to assign, store, analyze and compile your data.

Let’s know about each of the database objects in detail:

Tables

 Access database tables help you to store entire data in a tabular format. You can say it is the powerhouse of the database.

Forms

Forms are mainly used to assign, modify, and view records.

Queries

This object is used for searching and compiling data from single or multiple tables.

When a query is built, you need to specify the search conditions in order to find the data which you exactly want.

Reports

Reports help you to show your data in the print layout. You can easily customize the appearance of the report for making it more appealing.

Related FAQs:

How Do I DELETE A Database Object in Access?

To delete a database object in MS Access, follow these steps:

• Select the object in the Navigation Pane.
• Then, press a Delete key and click Yes option to confirm the deletion.

What Is a Database Object in MS Access?

A database object in MS Access is something that stores data. Some of the database objects are tables, forms, reports, queries, macros, and modules.

Why Won’t My DELETE Query Work in Access?

It might be possible that the query’s Unique Records property is set to No.

Which Command Is Used to DELETE The Database Objects?

DROP command is used to DELETE the database objects.

How Do I Delete Data from An Access Database?

If you want to delete data from an Access database, follow the below steps:

1. Open your DB table in Datasheet View or form in Form View.
2. Choose the record(s) that you need to delete.
3. Now, press DELETE.

Wrap Up:

During the deletion of Access database unnecessary objects if unfortunately, you end up losing your important database objects. In such a case, to recover deleted Access database objects you should use the recommended solution Access repair n recovery.

Make use of this recovery tool you can overcome any kind of corruption errors and issues in the Access database. It repairs MDB/ACCDB file easily. You can also try the free trial version of this software before purchasing it. You can completely rely on this software.

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.

1. Download Stellar Repair for Access rated Great on Cnet (download starts on this page).
2. Click Browse and Search option to locate corrupt Access database.
3. 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.