Fix Microsoft Access Database Locked or Placed in a State by Another User Error
Question details
Resolve the error where Excel or Power Query cannot connect to an open Microsoft Access database because the database is reported as locked or placed in a state by another user, often caused by a problematic Microsoft Office build.
- Product
- Microsoft Access and Microsoft Excel/Power Query
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- A user needs to connect Excel or Power Query to an open Access database for reporting or data analysis but receives a locked/state error and needs stable multi-user access.
- Observed behavior
- Excel or Power Query reports that the Access database has been placed in a state by another user or is locked and cannot be opened.
Before troubleshooting, record the Microsoft Office build and version on every computer that opens the Access database, and close all Excel, Power Query, and Access connections to avoid leftover locks during testing.
Identify and update or roll back the problematic Microsoft Office build on all database clients
Use this solution when Access locking or state errors appear after an Office update and you need to restore compatible database connections across all computers.
Access locking and state errors are often traced to a mismatched or problematic Microsoft Office build rather than to a damaged database. Aligning all Office installations that connect to the shared Access database is the most reliable fix.
On each computer that accesses the Access database, open Access or Excel, select File > Account, and click About Access or About Excel to record the exact version and build number.
Compare the recorded versions for every computer that opens the shared Access database and identify which clients are running the affected or mismatched Office build.
On affected computers, follow Microsoft's guidance to update Office by selecting File > Account > Update Options > Update Now, or roll back the problematic build, and coordinate the change with IT so all clients run a compatible build.
Close all Access and Excel or Power Query sessions on the affected computers, then reopen the database connection in Excel or Power Query to verify the error is cleared.
Use WPS Office as a Free, Lightweight Alternative for Excel and Office File Workflows
If Microsoft Access database locks caused by Office build mismatches are blocking your work, WPS Office provides a free, lightweight way to create and edit Excel, Word, and other Office-compatible files while IT resolves the Access environment. It offers a familiar ribbon interface and smooth compatibility with Microsoft Office formats.
- 1. Download WPS Office: Go to the WPS Office download page and install the free WPS Office suite on your computer.
- 2. Open Excel workbooks in WPS Spreadsheets: Launch WPS Office, click Spreadsheets, and open the .xlsx files that you normally use with Excel.
- 3. Use the familiar ribbon interface: Use the familiar ribbon-style menus to edit, format, and save documents in Microsoft-compatible formats while IT resolves the Access database lock.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Excel or Power Query say an Access database is 'placed in a state by another user'?
This usually means the Access database is locked exclusively or the Office build on the connecting computer is incompatible. Check the exact Office build under File > Account and close other Excel, Power Query, and Access sessions before testing again.
How do I check which Microsoft Office build is installed?
Open Access or Excel, select File > Account, and view the version and build number under About Access or About Excel on each computer that uses the shared Access database.
Do all users need the same Office build to avoid Access locking errors?
Yes. All clients that open the shared Access database should run compatible Office builds. Update or roll back affected computers according to Microsoft's guidance and coordinate the change with IT.
Can WPS Office open or repair Microsoft Access databases?
No, WPS Office does not include Microsoft Access or repair Access database locks. It can open and edit Excel workbooks and other Microsoft Office-compatible documents as a free alternative while the Access issue is resolved.
