Troubleshoot a shared database

I can't save changes to a Microsoft Access database.

You cannot save design changes to a shared Access database while other users have the database open. The only way to ensure that changes are saved is by opening the Access database in exclusive mode.

I can't change the table's design.

• If another user has a table open or is viewing data in queries, forms, or reports based on the table, you can't make any changes to the table's design. Microsoft Access informs you that it is read-only.
• You might not have permission to change the design. If the shared Microsoft Access database you're using is secured, access to objects (except modules) is controlled by the people who create or administer it. Your permissions might be determined by the group you are in.

I can't view data in a table.

• You can't view data in a table that another user has open in Design view. Wait until the table is available. When you open a table in Design view, keep it open only as long as necessary if others need to use the table or any queries, forms, or reports based on the table.
• You might not have permission to view the data. If the shared Microsoft Access database you're using is secured, access to objects (except modules) is controlled by the people who create or administer it. Your permissions might be determined by the group you are in.

I can't open a database object.

If the shared Microsoft Access database you're using is secured, you might not have permission to open the object. Also, you might have permission to view an object but not to see it in Design view or to update it. Your permissions might be determined by the group you are in. If necessary, contact the creator or administrator of the Access database to determine whether you have permission to open an object.

I can't open a shared Access database.

Another user is making design changes to the database. Once another user begins making design changes, the database is open in exclusive mode instead of shared mode. Even after the other user has switched from Design view to Form or Datasheet view, exclusive mode remains in effect until the other user closes the object where he or she made the design changes.