9 Proven Fixes & Hacks for Access Database Form Opening Blank!

Microsoft Access is a handy tool for managing & organizing data more efficiently. The most central functionality is form, providing a user-friendly interface for data entry & retrieval. However, there are instances where users encounter frustrating issues like- Access database form opening blank when trying to open the form. This puts a pause on their workflow. In this blog, we will delve into the roots of this problem & emphasize the effective workarounds to fix it.

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Quick Fixes:

Why Access Database Blank When Opening Form?

Various reasons can lead to a database blank when opening a form in Access. Here we have shortlisted the major causes for this issue, let’s take a look:

  1. Incorrect VBA queries
  2. Inappropriate Startup settings
  3. Missing records to display in the form
  4. Incompatible or corrupted Access database file
  5. There is a problem with the fields or controls in the db form
  6. Due to corrupted objects in macros
  7. Improper Form Settings or Form Properties
  8. Third-party Access add-ins.

The great thing about this blank Access Database form issue is that it’s not raised because of any system bug. And thus it can be easily fixed just by trying some manual workarounds that are discussed in this blog.

What Are The Consequences Of Access Database Form Opens to Blank Screen?

A few consequences are as follows:

  • If this unexpected blank form obstacles data update, then it can result in erasing every letter of data present in that form.
  • This also leads to data corruption, which deletes some parts or bits of your records.
  • This will also cause inefficiency in the workplace.
  • You are not allowed to enter any new data into the form.

How to Fix MS Access Database Form Opening Blank Issue?

As you have known the major factors and consequences of this Access problem now, it’s time to solve it using possible fixes.

Fix 1- By Setting The Default Startup Form

If you have specified some startup settings to launch a particular database form that is either missing or corrupted then you can face this issue. However, you can easily bypass all the startup settings to overcome the situation.

Steps To Specify The Default Form In Access Options

In this procedure, keep your database open which you have created previously.  The opened database must have contained the form which you want to display.

  • Go to File tab, and then Options.
  • Choose the Current Database option.
  • Go to the Application Options, in Display Form Choose the form which you want to get displayed when you open the database.

Setting The Default Startup Form

  • Hit to the OK option, and after that close and re-open the database to display the default startup form.

Also Read: Fixing Microsoft Access Database Won’t Open

Fix 2- Verify Form Properties

Sometimes, opening the Access database form in a layout view can lead to a blank screen form issue. You can easily handle this situation by modifying the fields and forms in the properties. Here’s how you can do so:

  • Locate the faulty form and make right-click on it.
  • Then, choose Design View option.

Design View

  • Under the Design View form, right-click anyplace on a form >> click on the Form Properties.
  • After that, go to the Data tab then check if all the Record Source settings there are set to Allow or Yes.

Design View

  • Now, press the CTRL+S keys together to save changes.

Fix 3- Open Blank Form using Access VBA

In this method, you will learn how to make the opening of a blank form when the database is opened using Access VBA.

1: Firstly you need to open the Access database form in design view.

2: On the Design ribbon, tap on the View button.

View Code

3: If there is no other previous macro has been written then you will notice one class in the project explorer which is on the left.

If on the Project Explorer there are multiple classes available then tap on the form class. It’s name is in the format Form_“FormName”. Where “FormName” is the name assigned to the main form. Here that form class name is “Form1”.

So we are writing code in the Form_Form1 class:

Private Sub Form_Load()
Call DoCmd.GoToRecord(, , acNewRec)
End Sub 

Output:

Each time when you open up the file in Access database, this will open a blank form in which you can easily input any new record.

Fix 4- Convert Old Access DB File to New File Format

In case, you are using the most recent version of Access and the file you are trying to open is an older version, it is likely to encounter a blank screen when opening the form issue. In such a situation, consider converting the old Access (.mdb) file to the new (.accdb) file to solve the compatibility issue.

To know the complete steps, Click Here.

Fix 5- Disable the Add-ins

As mentioned in the causes section, third-party add-ins can be the foremost reason for this issue. Consider checking and disabling the conflict add-ins in the Access database to troubleshoot the not opening form issue effectively. To know how to disable the add-ins, follow the below steps:

  • Press Win+R keys together to open a Run box.
  • Then, type msaccess /safe >> hit OK. This will open the Access program in a safe mode.

msaccess

  • After this, attempt to open the faulty form in a db file. If the file opens without any error, then it means the add-ins are triggering the issue.
  • Go to the File >> Options then Add-ins in the Access Options.
  • Now, click on Manage drop-down >> choose Access Add-ins >> click Go.

Access Add-ins

  • Here, you will see the newest add-ins >> click on Uninstall option.
  • Finally, reboot your Access software.

Also Read: Fix Access Database Not Updating Issue

Fix 6- Check the Open Event Settings

Many users have reported that they faced this problem due to the incorrect form’s Open Event settings. Open Event stipulates all the actions performed when a form is already opened before a record is revealed. Here are the complete steps to check & modify the form event settings:

  • First, open the database form in the Design view.
  • Next, click on Event under the Form Property Sheet & scroll down to an “On Open” event.

Check the Open Event Settings

  • After this, click 3 dots to jump over VBA code.
  • Here, you will have to check all the commands properly in the code. Also, make sure there’s no command hiding the information in a form.

Fix 7- Repair Corrupt Database File

You can experience the MS Access form opening to a blank screen if the DB file is corrupt or damaged. If this is the reason, try running the Compact & Repair utility in Access to solve the corruption.

Please Note: Before proceeding, ensure that no other users are currently using an affected file.

Fix 8-  Go With The Appropriate MS Access Repair & Recovery

To resolve severe Access database form corruption issue without any data loss, you must try the Access Database Repair And Recovery Tool. This software is specially designed to repair MDB/ACCDB files and ensures fast and perfect retrieval of objects from corrupt Access databases.

It displays all the recovered database objects which include tables, indexes, primary keys, fields, date formats, macros, modules, and forms in a tree structure. Moreover, it supports MS Access 95, 97, 2000, 2003, 2007, 2010 etc., and is also compatible with all versions of MS Windows.

* 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 Fix Access Database Form Corruption Issues

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Fix 9- Seek For Professional Assistance

If none of the above DIY solutions worked for you, it is recommended to seek assistance from database experts. They will surely help you to tackle the situation.

Related FAQs:

Can Updating Access Solve the Blank Form Issue?

Yes, updating the Access software is a common fix that can resolve various errors and issues in the database including blank form problems.

How Do I Open a Form When Opening an Access Database?

To open a form when opening an Access database, you have to follow the below steps:

  • Click File >> Option >> Current Database.
  • Then, find Display Form list under the Application Options.
  • Choose the form you need to open when the database opens.
  • Finally, click OK & reopen the Access database to show the startup form.

Is There a Free Online Tool Available for Access Database Repair?

Recovery Toolbox for Access is a free online tool available to repair the Access databases & fix issues.

How Can Users Prevent the Blank Form Problem?

Users can avoid the black form problem by following some best practices like creating regular backups & working carefully in the form design.

Also Read: Fix Access Database Won’t Save Changes Issue

Wrap Up

Resolving the Access database blank when opening form issue is vital for continuous data management. However, by understanding the causes, consequences, and implementing the solutions outlined in this post, you can ensure a smooth & efficient database experience.

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.