While working on the Microsoft Access database, it is common to encounter various unexpected errors that are inevitable. One such warning message that often perplexes users is the “Write Conflict: This record has been changed.” This error typically appears when two or more users try to edit the same database record concurrently. It is quite annoying to experience an MS Access write conflict error and it should be addressed ASAP.
Well, this article delves into the intricacies of this error, symptoms to identify it, common causes, and most importantly how to fix it in no time.
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Quick Navigation:
- Part 1- About Microsoft Access Write Conflict
- Part 2- How to Resolve the MS Access Write Conflict Error?
- Part 3- How to Fix Access Database Corruption?
About Microsoft Access Write Conflict
Access displays such write conflict error when two users attempt to write on the same record in the database mainly at the same time. Default locking strategies are for granting the ownership of the lock to the first person who attempts for writing on the record. Another person can save the record before you do but you can stop this as you have owned the lock. This error can also trigger while updating a string field that contains binary zeroes.
What Are The Symptoms Of Write Conflict Access?
- When you start editing the data which uses multiple forms that have the source of the same record, you may get the following error message.
- Records have been changed by another user since you started editing it. If you save the record now then the changes made by other users get overwritten.
- Copying changes to the clipboard will let you see the values that other users have entered and then paste your changes back in if you have already decided to make changes.
What Causes MS Access “This Record Has Been Changed By Another User” Error?
Well, there are some reasons as well why this write conflict Access error occurs:
- When the Access database is shared and another person is attempting to write to the same. In such a case, first-person attempts to write to records own the lock.
- Maybe the two objects open at the same time and from the same access database. Both objects are trying to write on the same record. The very first object that tries to write to record owns the lock.
- While updating a string field that contains binary zeroes. Well, this situation occurs with or without jet compatibility specified in data source.
How to Resolve the MS Access Write Conflict Error?
Find out the 5 solutions to fix this issue.
Solution 1- Save Record
You can just overwrite the changes made by another person. As you were the first to edit the record, you own the lock. Whereas the other person loses their chances, if you avoid using this option.
Solution 2- Copy to Clipboard
The complete record is copied on the clipboard with the changes that you have made and then changes made by other persons are displayed on the record. You can accept this change or overwrite the changes made on what is saved in the clipboard.
Also Read: Fix “Microsoft Access Database Engine Cannot Open Or Write To The File” Error
Solution 3- Drop Changes to Fix MS Access Write Conflict Error
Instead of this, if you have owned the lock, you let the other person keep their saved changes. If this fails to solve MS Access write conflict linked table error, try the next method.
Solution 4- Steps To Resolve Writing Conflict Error In (.Mdb) File
To resolve this issue, you can use any of the two methods mentioned below for a Microsoft Access database (.mdb) file or an Access project (.adp) file.
Method 1: RecordLocks property
You need to set the RecordLocks property of the form to the edited record. To perform this just try the following steps:
1. First of all, you need to open the MS Access form in Design View.
Note: In Access 2007, go to step 3.
2. From the View menu, tap to the Properties option.
3. On the Data tab, change the Record Locks property to Edited Record.
Method 2: Add Code To The Ondeactivate Event Procedure
The second method is to add code to the OnDeactivate event procedure of both forms in order to save the record. So, to do this, follow these steps:
- Open Form in Design View
For Access 2007 users: just go to step 4.
- Go to the View menu and then hit the Properties
- On Edit menu option, hit the select Form
- On the event tab, make a right-click in the OnDeactivate property box, and then tap to the Build option.
- From the Choose Builder box, hit the Code Builder option and then hit OK
- After then type or paste the following code:
DoCmd.RunCommand acCmdSaveRecord
- Just open the 2nd form in design view and repeat the step from 2 to 6.
Solution 5- Steps To Resolve Writing Conflict Error In Microsoft Access Project (.adp) file
To save the record you need to add code to the OnDeactivate and OnActivate event procedures of both forms. To do this, have a look over the fixes.
- First, open the form in Design View.
Note: Access 2007 user: go to step 4.
- Go to the View menu, tap to the Properties
- From the Edit menu, hit the Select Form.
- Now go to the Event tab and make a right-click in the OnDeactivate property box, and then hit the Build
- From the Choose Builder box, tap on the Code Builder option, and after that hit the OK button.
- Now either type or paste the following code:
DoCmd.RunCommand acCmdSaveRecord
-
- Go to the File menu, tap to the Close, and return To Microsoft Access.
- From the Event tab, right-click OnActivate property box, and then hit the Build option.
- From the Choose Builder box, hit the Code Builder option, and then tap on the OK button.
- Now Type or paste the following mentioned code:
Note: Well the sample code given in this post uses Microsoft ActiveX Data Objects. To run the code correctly, we must reference the Microsoft ActiveX Data Objects 2.x Library (where 2.x is 2.1 or later).
To do this, you need to first go to the Visual Basic Editor and here click References on the Tools menu. Make sure that Microsoft ActiveX Data Objects 2.x Library checkbox is checked or not. If it is not, then check it out.
Dim rs As ADODB.Recordset
Set rs = Me.Recordset.Clone
rs.Bookmark = Me.Bookmark
DoCmd.RunCommand acCmdRefresh
Me.Bookmark = rs.Bookmark
rs.Close
Set rs = Nothing
- Now open the second form in Design view, and then repeat the step from 2 to 10 once more for this second form.
How to Fix Access Database Corruption?
During the execution of the above methods if your Access database gets corrupted then don’t get panic. As there is a solution for this sarcastic situation too. With the help of Access Repair & Recovery software, you can get your database fixed.
With this proficient tool, you can fix any kind of corruption issue encountered in .accdb or .mdb file. Moreover, it recovers records, modules, queries, tables, indexes, macros, etc. from the Access database.
You can even download the free demo version of this software to fix the Access database and preview the DB objects.
* 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.
Step By Step Guide To Use Access Repair Tool
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can Write Conflicts Lead to Permanent Data Loss?
Yes, a write conflict issue can lead to severe data loss, it is recommended to solve it immediately.
Are There Automated Tools to Detect and Resolve Write Conflicts?
No, there are no tools available for detecting and resolving write conflicts, but by applying the resolution mentioned in this blog, you can resolve it easily.
Can Write Conflicts Occur in Small Databases with Few Users?
Absolutely, write conflicts can appear in both small and large Access databases. The risk rises when multiple users access & modify the table records concurrently.
How Do You Replace Records in Access?
To replace records in Microsoft Access, you have to press CTRL+F keys together. Now, to run a find-and-replace process, click on the Replace tab.
Final Verdict
Fixing write conflicts Access error is a critical aspect of maintaining a robust database. However, by implementing the resolutions specified in this blog, you can ensure data integrity & enhance the overall performance of your Access databases.
Besides, if you encounter any other issue, do share it with us on our FB & Twitter accounts.
Thanks for reading!
References:
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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.