Fixing Broken Microsoft Access Links After Moving Files
You can fix Broken Microsoft Access Links after moving files by using the Linked Table Manager. Open your database. Choose the Linked Table Manager. Point each table to its new place. Many users have this problem. You can fix it in a few steps.
Key Takeaways
Broken links happen when Access tables look for files in old places after you move them.
Use the Linked Table Manager to quickly fix table links to their new file spots.
Always use UNC paths instead of mapped drives so all users avoid link problems.
Run Compact and Repair often to fix hidden database problems and make it work better.
Follow best steps like splitting your database and checking links often to stop future problems.
Broken Microsoft Access Links
Why Links Break
Sometimes, your database tables stop working after you move files. This is because Microsoft Access saves where each table is as a set path. When you move files, the path does not match the new spot. Access will not fix these links by itself. You have to fix them.
Access uses absolute paths. This means it remembers the exact folder and file name. If you move your database or linked files, Access cannot find them. For example, if your files are on a network drive or in a cloud folder like SharePoint, moving them to a new folder will break the links. You need to update the links so Access knows where to look.
Tip: Using relative paths can help stop this problem. But Access does not always let you use relative paths for every link.
Common Scenarios
You might see Broken Microsoft Access Links in many cases:
You move your Access database or linked files to a new folder or drive.
Your company changes the network place or server where files are kept.
You use mapped drives, and the drive letter changes or does not reconnect.
You use cloud services like SharePoint or Microsoft Teams, and files move to new folders.
Different people use the same drive letter for different places, which causes confusion.
Your laptop loses its network connection, so mapped drives do not work.
These problems happen because Access saves the full path to each linked table. If the path changes, the link breaks. Big companies with many users and lots of file moves see this more. Fixing links by hand can take a long time and cause mistakes. Some people use tools like LinkFixer Advanced to fix links fast.
You can stop many of these problems by checking your links often and using good file habits. This helps your database work well and lowers the chance of broken links.
Fixing Links
Linked Table Manager
You can fix most Broken Microsoft Access Links by using the Linked Table Manager. This tool helps you point your tables to the new file location. If you use Microsoft Access 365 or 2019, follow these steps:
Open your front-end database. If you see an error, click OK to continue.
Go to the External Data tab on the ribbon.
Click Linked Table Manager.
Check the box next to each table you want to relink.
Click the Relink button.
Browse to the new location of your back-end database file.
Select the file and click OK.
If Access asks about relinking tables with different names, choose No.
Close the Linked Table Manager when you finish.
Note: In the latest versions, Access may ask you to confirm each table one by one. This can take more time if you have many tables. Some users create custom VBA code to speed up this process.
When you update links, always use the correct path. If your files are on a network, use the UNC path (like \\ServerName\ShareName\file.accdb) instead of a mapped drive letter (like G:\). UNC paths work better because they do not change for different users. Mapped drives can disconnect or use different letters, which causes more link problems.
Older Access Versions
If you use Access 2016 or an earlier version, the Linked Table Manager works a bit differently. You can relink all tables at once with fewer prompts. Here is how you do it:
Open Microsoft Access.
Open your front-end database.
Go to External Data and select Linked Table Manager.
Turn on the option Always prompt for new location.
Select all tables you want to relink and click OK.
Find and select your back-end database file.
Click OK to confirm.
Close the Linked Table Manager.
Older versions let you relink many tables with just one confirmation. This saves time, especially if you have a lot of linked tables. However, you may face some issues:
Linked tables may not refresh if you changed passwords or renamed tables.
If a table is missing or renamed in the back-end, you will see errors.
Sometimes, tables look linked but do not work until you rename the folder or file to force a refresh.
If you have more than one version of Access installed, the Linked Table Manager might not show your tables. This can happen if DLL files are not registered right. Removing extra runtimes or fixing DLLs can solve this.
Tip: Always check that your tables exist in the back-end before you relink. If you see errors, fix missing or renamed tables first.
Updating Paths for Mapped Drives and Network Locations
When you move files on a network, you must update the links to use the new path. Mapped drives (like G:\) often cause problems because the drive letter can change or disconnect. Instead, use the UNC path (like \\ServerName\ShareName\file.accdb). This makes your links more stable and works for all users.
To update your links:
Open the Linked Table Manager.
Select the tables you want to relink.
Browse to the UNC path of your back-end file.
Confirm the new location.
If you use mapped drives, make sure all users have the same drive letter mapped to the same folder. If not, switch to UNC paths. This helps prevent future Broken Microsoft Access Links and keeps your database working for everyone.
Note: For large teams, consider moving your data to a SQL Server or another client-server database. This reduces problems with network drives and makes your database more reliable.
Troubleshooting
Compact and Repair
Sometimes, links still do not work after you relink tables. Your Access database might need a cleanup. The Compact and Repair Database tool can help fix hidden problems. This tool gets rid of unused space and fixes small errors. To use it, first close all open tables and forms. Next, go to the Database Tools tab. Then, click Compact and Repair Database. This can fix slow performance or tables that do not refresh after relinking. If you move files a lot, run this tool often to keep your database healthy.
SharePoint and Network Issues
Access links can break for many reasons when you use SharePoint or network drives. Problems can come from big SharePoint lists, slow internet, or permission errors. Large lists with over 20,000 records can slow down Access and make links fail. Archiving old records helps keep lists smaller and more stable.
You should also check for permission problems. If you cannot open a linked table, make sure you have the right access to the SharePoint site or network folder. Sometimes, changes in sharing settings or Microsoft 365 licenses can block your access.
Third-Party Tools
If you need to fix many links or want to automate the process, you can use VBA scripts or third-party tools. VBA lets you write code to relink tables automatically. For example, you can use a function to set the new path for each table. This saves time and reduces mistakes, especially if you work with many users or move files often.
Some tools, like LinkFixer Advanced, help you manage and repair links in bulk. These tools scan your database, find broken links, and update them quickly. You can also find demo versions or get help from Access consultants if you need more support.
Tip: Automating link repairs with VBA or using professional tools can make your database more reliable and easier to manage.
Preventing Future Issues
Best Practices
You can prevent most link problems in Microsoft Access by following a few smart habits. Here are some best practices you should use:
Split your database into two files. Keep your tables in a back-end file. Store your forms, queries, and reports in a front-end file. This setup makes upgrades easier and reduces user conflicts.
Store the back-end file on a shared network folder. Make sure everyone who needs access can reach this folder. Set the right permissions so only trusted users can change the data.
Install the front-end file on each user’s computer. This step improves speed and helps avoid locking errors when many people use the database.
Keep a persistent connection to the back-end. You can open a hidden form or recordset when the database starts. This keeps the link stable and stops frequent locking and unlocking.
Use tools or code to relink tables if you move the back-end file. This method saves time and keeps your links working.
Check your network and server performance. A slow network can make your database run poorly.
Use the same folder paths in both your test and live environments. This habit reduces the need to relink tables when you move your database.
Tip: If you upgrade Access, Windows, or your Microsoft 365 subscription, always check your links. Changes in software can affect how Access finds your files.
Verifying Links
You should check your database links often to catch problems early. Here are some ways to verify your links:
Review your database for errors and duplicates. Use queries to find and fix issues before they grow.
Add error handling to your forms and reports. This step helps you spot problems right away.
Protect your database with passwords. Use AutoExec Macros to reset settings each time you open the database.
Make regular backups. Backups help you recover quickly if something goes wrong.
By following these steps, you can avoid most problems with your Access database. You will spend less time fixing links and more time working with your data.
You can fix Broken Microsoft Access Links by using the Linked Table Manager and updating paths. After relinking, always check that your links work. Follow these steps to verify all links:
Loop through each table in your database.
Check if the table is linked and find the back-end path.
Make sure the path is correct and not empty.
Refresh the link and handle any errors.
If you still have trouble, visit Microsoft’s support pages or community forums for more help.
Stay proactive—regular checks and best practices keep your database running smoothly.
FAQ
How do you know if your Access links are broken?
You see error messages when you open tables or forms. Access may ask you to find missing files. Linked tables show a broken link icon. You cannot open data from the linked source.
Can you fix all broken links at once?
Yes, you can use the Linked Table Manager to select all tables and relink them together. This saves time. Make sure you choose the correct new file location for your back-end database.
What if the Linked Table Manager does not show your tables?
Try registering the right DLL files or removing extra Access runtimes.
You can also restart Access or your computer.
If the problem continues, check for missing updates.
Do you need admin rights to relink tables?
You do not need admin rights on your computer. You need permission to open and edit the Access database. You also need access to the folder where the back-end file is stored.
Can you automate relinking in Access?
You can use VBA code to automate relinking. This helps if you move files often or have many tables. Here is a simple example:
DoCmd.TransferDatabase acLink, "Microsoft Access", "C:\NewPath\Backend.accdb", acTable, "Table1", "Table1"