Fix Access Error Sharing Tables with Export to SharePoint Wizard
Question details
Users encounter an 'Error sharing your tables' message during the Access Export Tables to SharePoint Wizard, caused by disconnected tables.
- Product
- Microsoft Access / SharePoint
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Exporting Access tables to a SharePoint site using the built-in wizard.
- Observed behavior
- The wizard fails with an 'Error sharing your tables' message and generates a 'Move to SharePoint Site Issues' log indicating a lookup-column mapping failure.
Ensure that you have an active network connection to your SharePoint server and that you possess the necessary permissions to create lists on the target site.
Reconnect Access Tables to SharePoint and Configure Lookup Fields
Fix the disconnected state and properly configure primary and foreign keys to resolve mapping failures during export.
The 'Error sharing your tables' issue typically occurs when lookup columns reference rows that were created while Access was disconnected from the SharePoint server. Resolving this requires re-establishing the connection and ensuring your database relationships are formatted correctly for SharePoint.
Open the 'Move to SharePoint Site Issues' table in your Access database to view the specific diagnostic information and identify which lookup columns failed.
Ensure all your Access tables are actively connected to the SharePoint server. If you were working offline, re-establish the connection to sync your data.
Check your table designs and set your primary key fields to use the AutoNumber data type, which is required for successful SharePoint export.
Create properly configured lookup fields for any foreign-key relationships. It is highly recommended to set these fields to display only the foreign-key column for clarity.
Once all tables are reconnected and relationships are defined with AutoNumber and lookup fields, run the Export to SharePoint Wizard again.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the 'Move to SharePoint Site Issues' table?
It is an automated log table generated by Microsoft Access when the Export to SharePoint Wizard encounters errors. It contains diagnostic information explaining why the export failed, such as lookup-column mapping issues.
Why do lookup columns cause errors when exporting to SharePoint?
Errors occur if the lookup columns reference rows that were created while Access was disconnected from the SharePoint server. This scenario violates the strict lookup settings defined for the destination SharePoint list.
How should I format primary keys for a successful SharePoint export?
You should use the AutoNumber data type for primary keys in your Access tables. This ensures seamless compatibility and prevents mapping errors during the Export to SharePoint Wizard process.
