[3 Fixes] Access Form Name Is Misspelled Or Doesn’t Exist Error?

We all know like any other application, MS Access is also prone to errors and corruption. Well, the most vulnerable section of the Access database is “Forms” where most of the issues usually get suspected.

While forms set up a level of automation within the Access database, scripts that make the execution of forms can easily get corrupted thus leading to some unexpected errors.

One most commonly encountered error is “MS Access the form name is misspelled or doesn’t exist”. Let’s discover the causes behind this Access database error 2102 and few easy solutions to fix this.

User’s Query:

Many users found reporting about this Access the form name is misspelled or doesn’t exist error.

Have a look over one such user query.

Everytime I open Access the following message pops up and I have to click OK to get past it. I can’t for the life of me figure out where this issue is coming from. I have searched endlessly for ANYTHING that might have this name in it and can’t find it. The Action Failed dialog box never appears and there is no form (that I know of) named Switchboard.  I am hoping someone can help me hunt this down. Thanks.

“The form name “Switchboard” is misspelled or refers to a form that doesn’t exist.

If the invalid form name is in a macro, an Action Failed dialog box will display the macro name and the macro’s arguments after you click OK. Open the Macro window, and enter the correct form name.”

Source: https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/msoffice/forum/msoffice_access-mso_other-mso_2007/form-name-misspelled-or-refers-to-a-form-that/41f1a734-4866-42ba-a971-1fdf559dd20b

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Error Detail:

Error Name: The form name ‘|’ is misspelled or refers to a form that doesn’t exist

Error Number: Error 2102

Description: The form name ‘|’ is misspelled or refers to a form that doesn’t exist.@If the invalid form name is in a macro, an Action Failed dialog box will display the macro name and the macro’s arguments after you click OK. Open the Macro window, and enter the corr

Error screenshot:

Form Name Is Misspelled Or Refers To A Form That Doesn't Exist

What Are The Symptoms Of Getting “Form Name Is Misspelled Or Refers To A Form That Doesn’t Exist” Error?

This specific error mainly occurs at the time of form opening or while trying to make reference to the linked table in Access.  You may encounter the following error message:

Error message 1

The form name ‘|’ is misspelled or refers to a form that doesn’t exist

Error message 2

In Microsoft Access 2002

  • Microsoft Access can’t find the object ‘<name>.’
  • Run-time error ‘7874’: Microsoft Access can’t find the object ‘<name>.’

In Microsoft Office Access 2003, Microsoft Office Access 2007, and Microsoft Office Access 2010

  • Microsoft Office Access can’t find the object ‘<name>.’
  • Run-time error ‘7874’: Microsoft Office Access can’t find the object ‘<name>.’

Error message 3

The record source ‘<name>’ specified on this form or report does not exist.

What Are The Causes Of Access Error 2102?

Users receive this error message mainly when Access cannot find the form in the database or if the assigned link point in an external file doesn’t exist anymore or if the external file is shifted to any new location.

Apart from that the Access error 2102 also occurs if the renamed or deleted form is referenced on the lookup tab of some other table.

How To Fix Access Form Name ‘|’ Is Misspelled Or Refers To A Form That Doesn’t Exist Error?

Fix 1# Enable The Database For Current Session

This solution will enable Access database only for the current session. Usually, it is found that database gets disabled as soon as you perform the close database command.

Here are the steps that you need to follow:

  • Go to the Access message bar and make a tap on Options.
  • After that open the MS Office Security Options dialog box. Make a tap on the Enable this content.
  • Press the OK.

Enable the Database for Current Session

Note: each time you open the database, perform these steps.

Fix 2# Shift The Database To Some Trusted Location

Another method using which you can fix Access form name ‘|’ is misspelled or refers to a form that doesn’t exist error is by shifting your database to a trusted location.

 To perform this task, simply follow down the below-given steps:

  • Hit the MS Office button-> Access Options.

Move the Database to a Trusted Location 1

  • Choose the Trust Center-> Trust Center Settings.

Move the Database to a Trusted Location 2

  • Now go to the Trusted Locations. After that perform the following task:
    • Note down the listed trusted locations path.
    • You have to add a new trusted location. Just tap the Add new location and after that specify the location path which you require to add.

Move the Database to a Trusted Location 3

Once you get the trusted locations list immediately move your Access database to any one of the given locations.

Fix 3# Access Database Repair & Recovery Tool

If you are still unable to fix “The form name ‘|’ is misspelled or refers to a form that doesn’t exist” error. In that case, chances are high that, there is some issue that occurred in the database files.

To deal with such a sarcastic situation, use the Access database repair & recovery tool.

This advanced software has the capability to fix MS Access form corruption issue.  So this will ultimately fix Access form doesn’t existerror if it occurred due to corruption issue.

It efficiently repairs corrupt ACCDB/MDB database files for easy restoration of relations, indexes, tables, queries, etc.

Moreover, the software also supports Linked tables, data type,s, and recovers password-protected modules and forms.

Final Thoughts:

Some ms access database issues are quite easy to fix at the user’s end. Whereas some database error requires technical skill to get resolved.

In such a case, leveraging the reliable and secure Access repair software is the best option.

tip 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 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.