In this blog, we are going to deal with a hectic problem that is- MS Access Linked Table Manager not working. This issue is often encountered by users when they try to export a list of linked tables to other sources like Excel applications. However, Access linked table manager greyed out or not working is an annoying problem hence, it should be fixed ASAP.
So, let’s delve into this blog to overcome the situation.
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What Is Linked Table Manager in Access?
In Access, Linked Table Manager is an excellent feature that helps to view and manage all the data sources and linked tables present in the database. Moreover, it helps to relink, find, edit, delete, or refresh the linked table within Access.
Note: In the different versions of Access, Linked Table Manager works differently. Such as in the Office 365 application, users can use Linked Table Manager to add, search, relink, edit, refresh, and delete Access linked tables. But you are not allowed to export information to Excel.
Methods to Solve MS Access Linked Table Manager Not Working
Follow the below troubleshooting ways to solve this problem easily:
Method 1- Check the Network Connectivity
Since you are unable to relink, edit, or refresh the linked table within Access, it means your database is experiencing network problems. Therefore, it is necessary to check & ensure the network connection is stable to fix this situation.
Method 2- Relink a Data Source or Linked Table
This step will change the data source location and also change the name of the linked table. So, follow the steps to relink the Access table and data source and fix the linked table manager not working in Access:
- Choose the External Data tab and then tap to the Linked Table Manager
- In the opened dialog box of Linked Table Manager, you need to choose individual linked tables and their data source.
- Well, choosing the data source will select all its associated linked tables. you can also expand entries by pressing the (+) sign in the Data Source column to choose each linked table.
- Choose the Relink
- When you tap the relink option, Access prompts you to enter a new data source location. After entering the right location either you can change the existing linked table name or assign any new name to it.
- Ensure first that your Status column is visible properly and here check the status of your linked table:
- Success: this means that your linked tables have been refreshed successfully.
- Failed: it means that one/more of the linked tables is having a problem.
- You are asked to assign a new table name for your relinked Access table. Whereas in some situations, you have to select a new table from the list of tables.
- If you are asked to enter a connection string, then in the connection string box enter the string. Automatically, Access will refresh the status of your linked table from failure to success.
- Until the issue gets fixed and the status column shows “success”, tap on the relink.
Also Read: Fix Access Form Not Updating Table Issue- Full Guide
Method 3- Repair the Database Corruption
Sometimes, the MS Access linked table not updating due to corruption in the Access database. If this is the situation, you can go for Access’s built-in Compact and Repair tool. This utility will assist you in fixing this corruption problem for free.
Here is how to use this tool:
- Navigate to File menu >> Info option.
- Now, tap on Compact & Repair Database.
For severe database corruption, it’s highly recommended to use the Access Database Repair Tool. This tool works great to resolve any kind of errors or corruption glitches that occur in your database.
* 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.
Why Choose the Access Database Repair and Recovery tool?
- Repair lost, deleted, damaged, or corrupted Microsoft Access database with ease.
- Successfully repair all types of MS access files mdb, accdb, accde, or mde.
- Save all your valid data into a fresh new error-free file.
- Recover attachment fields, tables, Visual Basic, field properties, forms, macros, and much more.
Steps To Use MS Access Repair and Recovery Tool
How To Use Linked Tables Manager In Access?
Refresh a data source and its linked tables
For fixing the Access linked table not updating and easy accessing of the data source. You need to Refresh a data source with its linked tables. Here is, how to perform this:
- Choose the External Data tab and then tap to the Linked Table Manager
- In the opened dialog box of Linked Table Manager, you need to choose individual linked tables and their data source.
Well, choosing the data source will select all its associated linked tables. you can also expand entries by pressing the (+) sign in the Data Source to choose each linked table.
- Choose the Refresh.
- If you find a problem with some data source location, then enter the right destination if it is asked or just Edit the data source.
- Ensure first that your Status column is visible properly and here check the status of your linked table:
- Success: this means that your linked tables have been refreshed successfully.
- Failed: it means that one/more of the linked tables is having a problem.
Well behind the failed status the most common reason is either a change in the name of the table or the new credentials. To resolve this issue, you need to relink the Access table or data source.
- Tap to the Refresh option again and again until each of the failed statuses showing the linked table is been fixed.
Find a linked table
If you have so many linked tables, make use of the Search box present at the top of the Linked Table Manager to look for the things you want.
- Write the name of your linked table in the Search
Access will search out the Data Source Information and Data Source Name columns to get a match as per your search.
Keep in mind that the search is case-insensitive. Thus, it dynamically lists all the link table name that matches your search.
- To reset the display once more you need to clear up your Search.
Also Read: MS Access Update Query Not Working Issue – How to Fix It!
Edit a data source
As per the data source, the user can modify the data source path, file name, display name, connection string, and password. To perform this, just follow the steps, mentioned here:
Go to the External Data and then on the Linked Table Manager option.
Tip:
To see the linked table name connection string and other important information. You just need to go to the navigation bar, and hover your mouse pointer over the linked table name.
- From the Linked Table Manager dialog box. Choose the data source option and then hit on the Edit.
- Make changes in the information already available in the dialog box of the Edit Link.
- After making complete editing tap to the Finish option.
Delete a data source or linked table
Well, the need for deleting the data source or linked table mainly occurs when you no longer need that data source or linked table. Or when you want to remove the clumsiness created by the Link Table Manager dialog box.
- Choose the External Data tab and then tap to the Linked Table Manager.
- In the opened dialog box of Linked Table Manager, you need to choose individual linked tables and their data source.
- Well, choosing the data source will select all its associated linked tables. you can also expand entries by pressing the (+) sign in the Data Source column to choose each linked table.
- Choose the Delete
- You will see a pop-up box of confirmation open on your screen. In this, you need to press the yes option for the deletion of the data source or the linked table.
Note: by deleting any linked table you are only removing the information which is needed for opening that linked table in the area of the data source. But you are not deleting the table itself.
Users Question:
Why Is My Linked Table Manager Greyed Out?
Your Linked Table Manager might turn greyed out due to insufficient write permissions to the report.
How Do You Refresh a Linked Table in Access?
To refresh a specific linked table in Microsoft Access, go to the navigation pane, then right-click it & select Refresh Link.
How to Add Linked Table Manager in Access 2016?
To add Linked Table Manager in Access 2016, go to External Data tab >> Linked Table Manager. Under the Linked Table Manager dialog box, choose Add.
Also Read: Methods for MS Access Wizard Not Working!
Wrapping Up
The MS Access 2003 linked table manager not working problem can be troublesome but manageable with the correct solutions. However, by understanding its major factors and implementing the resolutions discussed in this blog, you can effectively fix & mitigate this issue.
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.