
How to fix a broken Access database link
What causes a broken link?
As discussed in What is a split database, a well designed Access database usually has a back-end data file and a front-end interface file. The back-end data file contains the data tables, and the front-end interface file includes the the database queries, forms, reports, macros, and modules, with links to the tables in the back-end data file.
You will usually need to relink the front-end interface file to the back-end data file when a developer sends you updated front-end file, or when the location of the back-end file has been moved. The good news is fixing the broken link is fairly easy using the built in Linked Table Manager. This blog post includes step-by-step instructions for using this tool in Access 365 / 2019 and for Access 2016 or earlier.
Step-by-step:
How to relink the database using Access 365 / 2019
- Start Microsoft Access 365 / 2019
- Open the front-end database.
If you get an error message, just click OK. - On the ribbon, select External Data, Linked Table Manager.
- Check the box in the Data Source Name column.
- Check the Relink button.
- Navigate to and select the back-end database.
- Click OK.
- If you see the following prompt asking if you want to relink the tables with different names, click No.
Access will update the linked tables to the back-end data file. - Click Close to exit the Linked Table Manager.
Step-by-step:
How to relink the database using Access 2016 and earlier versions
- Start Microsoft Access 365 / 2019
- Open the front-end database.
- On the ribbon, select External Data, Linked Table Manager.
- Check the Always prompt for new location box.
- Check the Select All button and then the OK button.
- Navigate to and select the back-end database.
- Click OK.
- Click Close to exit the Linked Table Manager.