MS Access Cannot Update Database or Object is Read-Only – Solve It Fast!

Are you facing MS Access cannot update database or object is read only error (3027) while making changes to database engine records? If so, you are at the correct place. In this exclusive guide, you will learn why this run time error 3027 occurs and how to fix it with less effort and restore normal functionality.

[Microsoft][ODBC Microsoft Access Driver] Cannot update. Database or object is read-only.

Symptoms:

This error of “Cannot update. Database or object is read-only” mostly encounters the following scenario:

• While executing update queries against a linked Microsoft SharePoint view.
• The underlying list that you are updating includes lookup fields that are not linked to Access because they are not included in the current view.

What Causes Access VBA Cannot Update Database or Object Is Read Only Error?

Before taking any action to deal with such a situation, let’s identify the root cause.

1. Insufficient DB Permissions- When an Access file is stored in a location with restricted permissions.
2. Network Share Issues- If the database is saved on a network drive, improper share permissions can restrict editing.
3. Read-Only File Attribute- If the file is marked as “Read-Only“, it can trigger this error.
4. Corrupted or Locked Database- A corrupted or locked Access database may limit editing capabilities.
5. Temporary File Conflicts- While using MS Access, it creates temporary files (.ldb or .laccdb). When these files are not deleted on time, it can lead to an Access 3027 error.

Workaround to fix MS Access Cannot Update Database Or Object Is Read Only Error (3027)

To fix this [Microsoft][ODBC Microsoft Access Driver] Cannot update. Database or object is read-only, try out the fixes mentioned below:

Method 1-Link the entire lookup column in the underlying list to tables.

For this, just follow these steps:

1. Like to SharePoint list itself. This assures that all lookup tables for the underlying list are present within Access.
2. Now delete the linked table for the SharePoint list in Access.
3. After this link the SharePoint view by using the ImportSharePointList macro action.

Following all these above-mentioned steps, will help Access to make a linked table for the SharePoint view and a linked table for the entire Lookup columns in the underlying list instead of only the lookup columns that are included in the view.

Also Read: Fixing MS Access “Could Not Delete from Specified Tables” (Error 3086)!

Method 2- Modify the File Permissions

As already mentioned above, insufficient permissions to access the database file cause various issues related to Access database issues including run time error 3027 cannot update database or object is read only.

To check and modify the DB file permissions, follow the below steps:

• Go to the Access database file location.
• Next, make right-click on the file >> choose “Properties.”

• In the “Security” tab, you have to allow full control to the necessary users.

Method 3- Disabling Caching in Access 

You can also try disabling caching in Access 2010. For this, follow these steps:

• In Access, go to File > Options.

• Select Current Database.
• Now scroll down to the Caching Web Service area, and then locate the Microsoft SharePoint tables.
• Choose the Never Cache check box.

Method 4- Remove the Read-Only Attribute

Removing the read-only attribute can allow you to bypass Access error code 3027. Here is how you can remove this mode easily:

• Go to the Access database file location.
• Next, make right-click on the file >> choose “Properties.”
• After this, uncheck the option “Read-Only” and click “Apply.”

Method 5- Fix Access Cannot Update Database or Object Is Read Only Error by Repairing the Corrupt File

A corruption in the Access database file can even cause such runtime errors in Access. In such a situation, you can try Access’s Compact & Repair tool to compact and repair the database.

Here are the complete steps:

• Open the Access.
• Navigate to File >> Info.
• Find & click on the Compact & Repair Database option.

If this inbuilt tool fails to fix the database corruption, you can opt for the best Access Repair Tool. This software can repair the severely corrupted .mdb and .accdb files with 100% integrity.

* 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.

Also Read: Fixed- Error 3051 “The Microsoft Access Database Engine Cannot Open or Write to The File”!

Frequently Asked Questions:

How Do I Turn Off Read-Only in Microsoft Access?

To disable read-only mode in Access, open the DB file in exclusive mode by holding down a Shift key while opening it. Disabling this mode will allow you to edit and save the changes to the database.

Why Does My Access Database Keep Opening as Read-Only?

The Access database opens as read-only because someone else has opened the same file in exclusive mode.

Could Not Connect to Database Cannot Update Database or Object Is Read-Only?

When this error occurs, it simply means that you don’t have adequate permissions to write to the database.

How Do I Repair a Microsoft Access Database?

You can repair a Microsoft Access database file manually by running Compact and Repair Tool. Navigate to File > Info option > Compact & Repair Database. Now, the Access will create a copy of the compacted & repaired DB file in the same location.

Bottom Line

Microsoft Access cannot update database or object is read only error 3027 can be frustrating, but fixing it is straightforward. However, by checking permissions, adjusting settings, and repairing the corrupted database, you can restore full functionality and prevent future issues. Implement these fixes to keep your MS Access database running smoothly.

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

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.