[FIXED] Microsoft Access Database Or Project Contains A Missing Or Broken Reference Error

Summary: 

This tutorial is written with the main prospective of providing the best fixes on how to resolve references issues of MS Access database. If you are facing missing reference error in your access database then read the complete guide which is mainly on how to fix MS Access Database missing OR Broken references.

Practical Scenario:

I have an access database that has VBA code.  It was working fine with Office 2010.  I upgrade Office to Office 2016 and now I am getting errors such as ‘Undefined function ‘[RTrim$] in expression’.  They all seem to be VB string type functions.  I do not know what reference is missing/not selected.  My access application is not functioning now at all.

Any help pointing me in the right direction would be greatly appreciated. 

What’s The Issue?

After moving from an earlier version of Office to newer version some Access databases don’t get loaded properly or don’t run correctly. At that time access database displays the following error message:

Your Microsoft Access database or project contains a missing or broken reference to the file ‘OFFOWC.DLL’ version 1.1.

* To ensure that your database or project works properly, you must fix this reference. Content

How To Resolve MS Access Database Missing OR Broken References Error?

1. View MS Access Database References

To look into current database references:

1. Open database.
2. Press ALT+F11 to begin Visual Basic Editor.
3. On Tools menu, press References.

2. Resolving Visual Basic References in Access

Access loads applicable file (such as, type of library, control library or object library) for every reference, as per information that’s shown in References box. If Access can’t locate file, Access operates following methods to situate file:

1. Access verifies to see whether referenced file is presently loaded within memory.
2. If file isn’t loaded into storage, Access verifies that RefLibPaths registry key survives. If key subsists, Access appears for named value that’s similar name as reference. If there’s equivalent, Access loads reference from path that’s named points of value.
3. Access finds for referenced file within subsequent spots, in this classification:

a. Folder of Application (location of Msaccess.exe file).

b. Present folder that you observe if you hit Open on menu of File.

c. The Winnt or Windows folder where OS files are functioning.

d. The System folder beneath Windows or Winnt folder.

e. The folders in PATH environment inconsistent that’s unswervingly accessible by OS.

4. If Access can’t uncover file, a reference error takes place.

3. Understand Reference Error Messages

There are numerous messages that communicate to misplaced file or to file that has dissimilar description from version that’s utilized in database. In majority of situations, you search MS Knowledge Base for article regarding precise error note, and you can resolute error by following steps within article. In few circumstances, an addiction file is not appropriately coordinated with primary file.

The following list portrays some of reference error messages that you might take delivery of. On the other hand, note that list doesn’t comprise of all probable reference error notes.

• “Method MethodName of Object ObjectName Failed”

Characteristically, you perhaps obtain this error if there’s issue with programming library, such as, an unacceptable Data Access Object (DAO) dynamic-link library (DLL) file. You can hunt MS Knowledge Base for piece that defines a variety of shapes of error message.

Also read:

How To Fix Access Error 49 – Bad DLL Calling Convention

• “Function is un-available in Usage expression”

You might collect error message if difficulty with programming type library occurs, or if code doesn’t particularly call for accurate library and file is recorded at inferior priority in reference list than file that encloses same name of function –for instance, if DAO code is utilized with ActiveX Data Object (ADO) library scheduled at superior priority than DAO library. You might even get error message if form or statement comprise of an ActiveX control.

• “Can’t find project or library”

You may receive this error if Access can’t find file within reference list. Often file is observed as Missing in dialog box of Reference. At times file exists on development PC but not on target system.

Also Read:

How To Fix Access “Can’t Find Project Or Library” Error

• ++

You may come across one of error messages if you make use of User-Level Security Wizard to protect database that references libraries apart from libraries that’s involved by default. Suppose, reference libraries existed in unprotected database aren’t automatically formulated in new, open database.

ALSO READ:

How To Fix Microsoft Access 3615 – “Type Mismatch In Expression” Error

• “Run-time error 5,” “Invalid process argument or call,”

“The library that comprise of icon isn’t referenced by existing project,” or “The library which have this symbol is referenced by current project, so logo is not defined”

You may receive this error messages if there’s reference to database, a type library, or object library that’s termed as Missing.

ALSO READ:

How To Fix Access ‘Invalid Argument’ Error Message

• “ActiveX component cannot create object” 

This error message doesn’t unavoidably mean that ActiveX control is occupied. For instance, one potential cause is DAO, which is ActiveX constituent, can’t generate object since DAO Automation Server fails to begin. Recurrently, cause is that DLLs providing referenced functionality for program aren’t recorded or imperfectly registered. For further details regarding this error, click article number beneath to view article in MS Knowledge Base:

244264 INFO: Troubleshooting Error 429 When Automating Office Applications

Although this article is printed from Visual Basic viewpoint, it wraps several of causes for error.

Fully Automatic Solution To Fix MS Access Database Missing References

If the above mentioned solution do not help you to fix MS Access database  reference error then second most appropriate solution would be to make use of a professional third part application and Access Repair And Recovery Tool is best option for this purpose.

Making use of this software tool is the best option as it is the high end user friendly software that repairs damaged Access database safely and securely. This software restores form and modules even though it is password encrypted. Apart from that the software also recover linked tables, modules, forms, tables, indexes, reports, queries, relations, deleted records, and macros.

* 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 Resolve Access Missing Or Broken Reference

Wrap Up:

All the above mentioned fixes whether it’s manual or automatic will surely going to resolve your Microsoft Access database missing or broken reference error. But it’s totally up to you that whether you want to go with the manual or the software solution.