In the world of databases, encountering Access errors can be a roadblock that disturbs the entire workflow. One such error that often encountered by users is “Run-time error 3190: Too many fields defined.” In this article, I will explore the details of this error, understand its major factors, and provide effective solutions to resolve it.
Here is the real interface of this error:
Read further to know more in detail…
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Quick Fixes:
- 1: Compact Your Database
- 2: Create A Fresh Copy Of Access Table
- 3: Pass-Through Query
- 4: Set Other Field Properties
- 5: Change A Field’s Data Type
What is Too Many Field Defined in Access?
Too Many Fields Defined Error is a clear sign that your Access table is either crossing its allotted field size limit or something went wrong in the Access field properties.
MS Access keeps counting the total number of fields added to the database table. Every single table of Access has a limit of 255 fields. Every time you make changes in the field property, this will increase the column count to 1. On the other hand, when you delete any field this column count won’t decrease and the field count remains as it is. Thus, it’s quite apparent to encounter 3190 error in such a situation.
However, this error generally arises due to the following reasons:
- Exceeding the maximum field limit
- Excessive use of the calculated fields
- Importing or linking the external data
- Cross-tab queries or PivotTables.
How to Fix Too Many Fields Defined Access Error (3190)?
Carry out the following methods to fix the 3190 error in Access.
Way 1: Compact & Repair Your Database
To remove the deleted field counting from the internal column count compact the database. For this, you can take the help of the Compact and Repair inbuilt utility tool.
Follow the steps to compact your database using the Compact and Repair tool:
1: Firstly you need to open up your MS Access program.
2: After that make a hit on the Database Tools tab.
3: Now press the Compact and Repair Database option.
4: In the opened Database to Compact From the dialog box, search for your problem encountering the MS Access database file. So, make the selection of such files and then hit the Compact option.
5: It’s time to make a new database in Compact Database Into dialog box. So, assign a name to your file and then press the Save option.
Also Read: Solving Item Cannot Be Found in The Collection Corresponding (Error 3265)
Way 2: Create A Fresh Copy Of Access Table
The second easiest way to fix Access too many fields defined error is by creating a new copy of the same Access table having the issue.
Note: Before performing this step, make a complete list of all the relationships contained in that table.
- First, choose the table having the issue.
- Go to the File menu, tap the Save As
- In the opened Save AS window assign any new name to your table and click OK.
- Now choose the table which you error showing table and delete.
- After that rename your newly created table with the same name as the original one.
- Setup all the relationships as it is previously contained in your deleted table.
Way 3: Pass-Through Query to Fix Too Many Fields Defined Access
As we have already discussed Access has a limit of 255 columns or fields for each table. So if you try to link with some other external link having more than 255 columns. In that case, Access will only consider 255 columns starting from the first.
All I want to say is, with the linked table it’s not possible to choose any specific field or columns.
So, in order to retrieve the 256th column but drop out the 1st one then use the pass-through query:
- Firstly, open your Access database.
- Make a new Query within the Design View.
- Close the opened dialog box of Show Table.
- In the query type, you have to choose the Pass-Through.
- Make a right-click on the Query tab and tap on the SQL View.
- In the opened Query pane put the SQL statement.
e.g: SELECT Col1, Col2, Col3 FROM Account
- Hit the Run.
- Now choose the ODBC driver data source from the dialog box of Select Data Source.
Way 4: Set Other Field Properties
Note:
All types of formats don’t work well with all variants of data types. So always set the data type first and then only set its format.
- In the grid design table, choose the field first, for which you need to set the field properties.
- You will see that Access will show the field’s property in the Field Properties.
- According to the data type, field property is assigned.
- Within the Field Properties pane, make settings that you want to apply for each of the field property.
- Alternatively, just press the F6 button from your keyboard and select the property using the arrow key.
Note: Get more information about the data types and field properties that are available for each kind of data type.
- To assign extra space for adding or modifying the property settings within the property box. Just press the SHIFT+F2 key from your keyboard as this will open the Zoom box.
- To save all the changes you have made, don’t forget to press the CTRL+S button.
Also Read: Fix File Sharing Lock Count Exceeded (Error 3052) Like a Pro!
Way 5: Change A Field’s Data Type
You have the option to change several aspects of the field after making it.
Warning:
You can also change these aspects of a field that you did not just create. However, if data already exists in the field some actions will not be available or may cause data loss.
- From the table design grid, choose the field for which you need to apply the data type.
- Now from the column of the data type, choose the data type from the drop-down list.
Check out the article on Data types for Access databases to get complete details about the list of all available Access database data types.
How to Repair Corrupt Access Database File (.mdb or .accdb)?
Access Database Repair Tool can easily fix corrupt or damaged MS Access files & save the repaired DB files to their default location.
It is an outstanding program that safely repairs corrupt ACCDB or MDB files to restore Access database objects like tables, forms (with VBA code), queries, reports, hyperlinks, etc.
Furthermore, this tool supports Access 2019, 2016, 2013, 2010, and earlier versions. You can download this software from the below-given buttons.
* 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 Use Access Repair Tool
Related FAQs:
What Is the Maximum Number of Fields in Access?
255 is the maximum number of fields in Microsoft Access.
Can Access Error 3190 Lead to Permanent Data Loss?
Yes, Access error 3190 can lead to permanent data loss and corruption.
Which Field Type Has a Limit Of 255 Characters?
The “Text field” has a limit of 255 characters in the Access database.
Can 3190 errors occur on Both Windows and Mac Systems?
Yes, 3190 errors can occur on both Windows & Mac OS, it is not limited to a specific operating system.
How Can I Prevent This Error?
By following some best practices, you can avoid this Access runtime error in the future. Such as keeping proper and regular backups of the database, keeping Access software and operating system up-to-date, and compacting the database using Access’s built-in tool.
What Should I Do If the Above Troubleshooting Tips Don’t Resolve this Error?
If the above troubleshooting tips don’t resolve this error, then it is recommended to seek assistance from database professionals.
Also Read: MS Access Error 3048 Cannot Open Any More Databases
Final Verdict
Addressing the “Access too many fields defined” error needs a multi-faceted tactic. However, by implementing the manual and software-based solutions mentioned above in this post, you can navigate this challenge effectively.
Thanks for reading…!
References:
- https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/office/troubleshoot/access/too-many-fields-defined-error
- https://support.microsoft.com/en-au/office/compact-and-repair-a-database-6ee60f16-aed0-40ac-bf22-85fa9f4005b2
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.
- Download Stellar Repair for Access rated Great on Cnet (download starts on this page).
- Click Browse and Search option to locate corrupt Access database.
- 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.