How to fix a broken Access database link

by | Dec 8, 2020 | Databases, Step-by-step

What causes a broken link?

Step-by-step:
How to relink the database using Access 365 / 2019

  1. Start Microsoft Access 365 / 2019
  2. Open the front-end database.
    If you get an error message, just click OK.
  3. On the ribbon, select External Data, Linked Table Manager.
    Launch Linked Table Manager
  4. Check the box in the Data Source Name column.
  5. Check the Relink button.
  6. Navigate to and select the back-end database.
  7. Click OK.
  8. If you see the following prompt asking if you want to relink the tables with different names, click No.
    Relink tables with different names? - click No.
    Access will update the linked tables to the back-end data file.
  9. Click Close to exit the Linked Table Manager.
    Close the Linked Table Manager

Step-by-step:
How to relink the database using Access 2016 and earlier versions

  1. Start Microsoft Access 365 / 2019
  2. Open the front-end database.
  3. On the ribbon, select External Data, Linked Table Manager.
    Launch Linked Table Manager
  4. Check the Always prompt for new location box.
  5. Check the Select All button and then the OK button.
    Access 2016 Linked Table Manager
  6. Navigate to and select the back-end database.
  7. Click OK.
  8. Click Close to exit the Linked Table Manager.