When using Microsoft Access get errors like "Microsoft Office Access database engine cannot open or write to the file"

Question

When using Microsoft Access (Voyager Reporter, Voyager ILL, Voyager Prepackaged Access Reports) get errors like:

• Microsoft Office Access database engine cannot open or write to the file
• It is already opened exclusively by another user, or you need permission to view and write its data
• Error in Check DB Version 3051

Answer

This error can be due to open Access "lock" files.  Make sure Access is not running and delete any *.ldb files that are in the same directory as your *.mdb file.

This error can also be due to Windows permissions errors.

Check that file and folder permissions are set for all users to Full/Read/Write

If a share on a network drive is involved, make it is shared by everyone.

Contact your local I.T. Department for additional help with Windows permissions.

• Article last edited: 21-Dec-2021