The compile errors in the Access database while running VBA code can be frustrating and leave you scratching your head for resolutions. Access compile error can’t find project or library is one such warning message that users often encounter. It occurs when a reference object or library type missing in your project (Here’s the interface of the error).
Thus, if you too getting the same error and want to overcome this situation, you are welcome to this post. In this blog, we’ll delve into the causes of VBA can’t find project or library error and workable methods to fix it on your own.
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Quick Fixes:
What Does It Mean When Access Says Can t Find Project or Library?
When Microsoft Access shows this error, it simply means that there are missing references or a mismatch between the version of VBA (Visual Basic for Applications) in your project and the Access version.
Access database and its programming language (VBA) are two essential libraries in every project. If Access doesn’t provide something that you are looking for, then you can find a library and add it. But when you try to add extra libraries there, it can lead to this error.
Reason Behind This Error
Since the error ‘Access can’t find project or library’ occurs while running the VBA code or macros in the database so, we cannot blame a single reason for the occurrence of this. However, there could be several factors that can trigger this error, they are as follows:
- The missing link between a library & program code.
- When a reference object or library type is missing.
- Corrupted installation of Access.
- A mismatch between the VBA in your project and the Access version.
How to Fix Access Compile Error Can’t Find Project or Library?
As you have identified the common causes, now let’s explore the troubleshooting methods to resolve this error.
Method 1- Checking for Missing References
As mentioned above, this error is mainly caused by to reference object or library type missing when using the macros & VBA functions.
Thus, you can easily solve this issue by following the below steps:
- Launch the MS Access Database application.
- Then, you have to open a module in the design view. Instead, you can press the ALT + F11 keys together to switch to Visual Basic Editor.
- After that, click on Tools menu >> click on References.
- Here, uncheck a checkbox “Missing: Microsoft Access Object” >> click on “Ok” option to save the changes you have made.
Also Read: [Resolved] Microsoft Access Can’t Open The Form Or Report
Method 2- Registering a Library File
Installation and uninstallation of any software overwrite, remove, or sometimes de-register libraries. In that case, simple functions like Date() or Trim() don’t work. To see what libraries an Access Project is referenced, open any code window and choose the References option from the Tools menu.
The file can be there in the reference list without being correctly registered in the registry. If you suspect such a case, then follow these steps to register the file and fix can’t find project or library Access.
- Click Start, and then go to the Search option after that click For Files and Folders.
- In the Search for files and folders named box, type exe.
- In the Look in box, tap the root of the hard disk.
- Select the checkbox Include Subfolders, if it is not selected and then click Find Now or Search Now.
- After getting the file, click Start >> Run, and after this delete anything which is in the Open
- Drag the exe file from the search panel to the Open box.
- Repeat steps no. 2 to 6, but this time search for FileName.dll, where FileName is the file name that you want to register.
- When the FileName.dll file is in the Open box with the Regsvr32.exe file, tap to the OK.
- In Access, check whether the problem is actually.
If you don’t get this Regsvr32.exe file on your system then, check other computers for the file, you can also obtain this file from the Microsoft Web site.
Method 3- Try Un-Register Or Re-Register The Library
If the library is marked missing, then click the Browse button and search for the file for the library.
If still the library is not shown, you may need to re-register it. For this, just follow these steps:
- Press the Windows + R keys to open the Run dialog box.
- Now enter regsvr32 followed by the full path of the library file.
- If the file name contains the spaces then include quotes, like this:
regsvr32 “c:\program files\common files\microsoft shared\dao\dao360.dll”
Sometimes, the problem is not resolved until you re-register the library. So, first of all, unregister the library with this command and then follow the above one to re-register it again:
- Uncheck the missing library in access.
- Close access
- Issue this command to unregister the library :
regsvr32 -u “c:\program files\common files\microsoft shared\dao\dao360.dll”
- After this re-register it again with the above command and select the library reference again.
Note: Don’t forget to compile all modules after making adjustments in the references. To compile all the modules with the module still open, click on the Compile database on the Debug menu. If the modules don’t get compiled, there may be additional unresolved references.
Method 4- Repairing or Reinstalling the Access to Fix Compile Error Can’t Find Project or Library
If all the above solutions fail, the last option left for you is to repair or reinstall the Access to fix the VBA can t find project or library error. This method can help you restore corrupted files or missing components and solve it successfully.
Use Recommended Third-Party Access Repair Tool
If none of the above fixes comes in handy in fixing the compile error in Access, you can go for the recommended third-party tool- Access Repair N Recovery Tool. It can solve numerous unexpected errors and issues in MS Access that have occurred due to corruption. The best thing about this program is- it can repair corrupted MS Access database (MDB or ACCDB) files.
Besides, it is very effective to recover tables, queries, reports, forms, macros, etc. So, just download and install this tool from the below-given button and start running 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.
Here is the step-by-step guide to using this tool:
How Do I Find A Missing Library/Reference In VBA?
Access loads the relevant file (such as a type library, an object library, or a control library) for each reference, as per the information shown in the References box. If Access is unable to fetch this file, then it will perform the following procedures to search for the file.
- Access checks for the referenced file whether it is currently loaded in memory or not.
- If the file is not loaded there, then MS Access tries to verify that RefLibPaths registry key exists there or not. But, if it is present there then Access checks for a named value which is having the same name as that of the reference. If it matches well, Access loads the reference from the path that the named value points to.
- After this, Access makes searches for the referenced file in the following location and in this order:
- The Application folder (the location of the Msaccess.exe file).
- The current folder that you see if you click Open on the File
- The Windows or Winnt folder where the operating system files are running.
- The System folder is under the Windows or Winnt folder.
- The folders in the PATH environment variable that is directly accessible by the operating system.
4. If access won’t get such a file then a reference error occurs.
Also Read: 7 Ways for the Database Cannot Be Opened Because the VBA Project Error!
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I Identify “Missing References” in My Access Project?
Yes, you can identify the missing references in the Access project by navigating to the “Tools” >> “References” menu in the Visual Basic Editor.
What are VBA Libraries?
Libraries are the component that provides functionality. Access and its programming language (VBA) are two essential libraries in every project.
Will Repairing Access Fix the Compile Error?
Yes, repairing or reinstalling the Access application is the last resolution that can fix this error.
How Do I Fix Compile Error in VBA?
To fix the compile error in VBA, you can unprotect the module and then run the VBA code or macro again to check if the error is solved.
Can Outdated VBA References Trigger Compile Errors?
Yes, outdated VBA references can cause compile errors in Access.
Which Types of Errors Cannot Generally Be Found by The Compiler?
Runtime errors cannot generally be found by the compiler.
What Protective Measures Can I Take to Prevent Compile Errors in Access?
You should regularly update your Access and VBA. Also, be sure to keep track of references in your projects to avoid compile errors in the future.
End Note
MS Access “Compile error: Can’t find project or library” can be a frustrating obstacle for database users, but it is not insurmountable. However, by understanding the underlying factors and following the solutions outlined in this post, you can effectively resolve it and keep your projects running smoothly.
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- 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.