Last Stop: Resolve Access the Last Time You Opened It Caused A Serious Error

Just imagine, you are trying to access an important Access database (.accdb or .mdb) file, and suddenly, a warning pops up that the last time you opened it caused a serious error. Frustrating, right? Don’t fret, as I am here to guide you on how to deal with this mystifying situation.

”The document ‘Filename’ caused a serious error the last time it was opened. Would you like to continue opening it”?

Access the Last Time You Opened It Caused A Serious Error

In this article, I will discuss the common causes and some quick fixes to fix “The document caused a serious error the last time it was opened” successfully.

Rated Excellent on Trustpilot
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!
Download
By clicking the 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.

Quick Fixes:

  1. Remove Files From The Disabled Item List
  2. Updating Software & Drivers
  3. Fix This Error by Using Compact and Repair Feature
  4. Repair Severe Database Corruption Using Access Repair Tool
  5. Seek Professional Help

Causes of the Last Time You Opened It Caused A Serious Error

This specific error mainly arises because of the automatic addition of the file in the disabled list by the MS Office program. It means when your Access database opens files that have undergone serious errors like sudden program crashes, or running an outdated version of the Access program, the Access application adds files to the list of disabled items. So when you try to open the files that are already in the disabled things list it’s obvious to encounter this Access error.

Another foremost reason for this error is database file corruption. When you try to access the corrupted database file, also you can face this peculiar error.

How to Fix “The Document Caused A Serious Error The Last Time It Was Opened” Error?

In this section, you will find the effective approaches to resolve the last time you opened it caused a serious error Access.

Method 1- Remove Files From The Disabled Item List

To fix this error, you need to remove your error-showing file from the disabled file list. Let’s know how it is to be done….!

Follow the below steps as per the version of your MS Office components.

Microsoft Office 2003/ 2002

  • From the Help menu, tap the About Microsoft Program after then click on the Disabled Items.
  • Choose the file, and hit Enable.

Remove Files From The Disabled Item List

Microsoft Office 2007

  • Tap the Microsoft Office button>Program Name Options> tap to be the Add-Ins tab.
  • Choose the Disabled Items from the Manage list. After that click the Go.
  • Choose the file and then tap Enable.

Remove Files From The Disabled Item List 1

Removing files from this list of disabled items gives you a chance to open your Access database document. But actually, it doesn’t repair Access database.

Also Read: Fix “You Do Not Have Exclusive Access to The Database at This Time” Error in Access?

Method 2- Updating Software & Drivers

Using outdated versions of the software is often a culprit. Make sure your Access application and PC drivers are up to date. Doing this can work wonders in solving the compatibility issue that triggers this error.

Method 3- Fix This Error by Using Compact and Repair Feature

You can even receive this error message due to large-size database file or file corruption. In such a situation, you can run the Access built-in tool – Compact and Repair. This utility can help you to compact & repair the database. Follow the steps below to do this:

  • Launch your MS Access application.
  • Under a Templates page, you have to click on the Blank Database.
  • Go to the File menu>> select Close.
  • After, click on the Database Tools then Compact and Repair Database.

compact

  • Now, scroll down to find and select the database file that you need to compact & repair.

the document caused a serious error

  • Finally, click on the Compact.

Method 4- Repair Severe Database Corruption Using Access Repair Tool

In case, if the Compact and Repair tool fails to solve the error, it is likely that your database file is severely corrupted. To outcome this situation, you can use the Access Database Repair Tool. It is a very reliable option to fix the corruption in the file along with fixing the ‘document caused a serious error the last time it was opened’ error.

This robust software provides you with the option to preview repaired documents before saving them to the chosen location.

The software adopts the read-only mechanism, to prevent the alteration of original contents after the execution of the repair process.

* 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.

Additionally, the software has a user-flexible GUI, so even a novice user can also use this software without any problem.

Steps to Use This Tool:

access-repair-main-screen
access-select-database
access-repairing
access-repairing-completed
access-preview
access-save-location
access-saving
previous arrow
next arrow

Also Read: Microsoft Access Could Not Lock File- Here’s How to Fix It!

Method 5- Seek Professional Help

If none of the above DIY fixes helped you to solve the document caused a serious error the last time it was opened, it’s best to leave it to the professionals. Simply contact technical professionals for assistance & reliable support.

How to Prevent Access Database Documents from Any Type Of Error?

Here are some easy tips to prevent Access database documents easily and without any error.

Don’t Leave Database Open Unnecessarily–

It is not the correct way, it will only increase the chances of corruption and therefore it is requested that you close your application even during your lunchtime.

Compact And Repair Regularly

This is the inbuilt utility that comes with the Access application. You must perform this feature in regular intervals of time to enhance performance and avoid corruption of the Access database.

Exit The Database Properly

It is always suggested that you finish your task and then exit the application by using the File>Exit Menu option.

Split Your Database

The most important thing you can do to avoid Access corruption is to split your database into “front-end” and “back-end”. The front-end stores the forms, reports, and data access a page while the back-end has tables containing your data. To know how to split the database, Click Here.

Update Device Driver –

The outdated drivers of your device can create corruption, hence you must try to keep them updated as much as possible.

Related FAQs:

Can I Fix This Error Without Technical Skill?

Of course! By applying the user-friendly solutions specified in this blog, you can fix this error without any tech skills.

Is There A Risk Of Data Loss During The Troubleshooting Process?

Yes, therefore it is recommended to back up your databases before troubleshooting to reduce any risks of data loss.

How Often Should I Update My Software To Prevent This Error?

Frequently updating your Access software is a good measure. I suggest you check for updates at least once a week.

Final Verdict

Resolving “The document ‘Filename’ caused a serious error the last time it was opened” involves a proactive tactic. By understanding its causes & following the methods revealed in this post, you can regain control of your databases & avoid future interruptions to your workflow.

Besides, if you are experiencing any other issues in the Access database, feel free to ask on our social accounts like Twitter.

References:

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.