SharePoint Document Issues

How to Reconnect Microsoft Access to SharePoint Lists with Smart-Card Authentication

Olivia Miller Oct 9, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user needs a reliable method to reconnect a Microsoft Access database to SharePoint lists after the smart-card authentication session times out and causes the database to become unresponsive.

How to Reconnect Microsoft Access to SharePoint Lists with Smart-Card Authentication

Product: Microsoft Access
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Accessing a database linked to SharePoint lists that requires smart-card authentication, which frequently expires after periods of inactivity.
Observed behavior: The Access database becomes unresponsive when attempting to load data after the smart-card authentication has expired, normally requiring a manual reconnection via the External Data menu.

Before you start

Ensure your smart-card reader is properly connected to your computer and that your smart card is fully inserted before attempting to reconnect to the SharePoint server.

Solution 1Recommended

Use an Unbound Startup Form to Trigger Reconnection

Loading an unbound form at startup prevents Access from freezing and allows you to use VBA to prompt for smart-card authentication before data is queried.

When Access tries to open a bound form and the SharePoint authentication has already expired, the data fetch request hangs, causing the database to become unresponsive. By using an unbound form as your startup screen, you can safely re-establish the connection manually or automatically.

Create an Unbound Startup Form

In Microsoft Access, create a new blank form that is not bound to any SharePoint list or table. Set this new form as your default startup form in the Current Database options.

Add a Manual Reconnect Button

Add a command button to this unbound form. Open the button's On Click event and insert the VBA code 'DoCmd.TransferSharePointList' to manually trigger the SharePoint reconnection process.

Automate with On Timer Event

To make the process seamless, you can also place the 'DoCmd.TransferSharePointList' command inside the form's On Timer event so that the authentication prompt appears automatically when the database opens.

Enter Smart-Card Credentials

When the VBA code executes, Access will communicate with SharePoint and prompt you to enter your smart-card PIN to re-authenticate.

Use an Unbound Startup Form to Trigger Reconnection

Why Credentials Cannot Be Saved: Because smart-card authentication inherently requires the physical presence of the card and manual PIN entry for security compliance, Access cannot store these credentials to bypass the prompt.

Solution 2

Clear the Access Web-Service Cache

Clearing the web-service cache can resolve underlying connection glitches if the smart-card authentication prompt fails to appear entirely.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my Access database freeze after a period of inactivity?

If your database's startup form is bound directly to a SharePoint list, Access attempts to fetch that data immediately upon opening or refreshing. When your smart-card session has expired due to inactivity, this data request hangs indefinitely, causing the application to become unresponsive.

Can I save my smart-card PIN in Access to avoid having to reconnect manually?

No. Smart-card authentication is specifically designed for high-level security and mandates the physical presence of the card along with manual PIN entry. Access cannot permanently cache these credentials.

How do I manually reconnect to a SharePoint list without using VBA code?

You can manually restore your SharePoint connection by navigating to the 'External Data' tab on the Access ribbon, clicking 'New Data Source', and selecting 'From Online Services' > 'SharePoint List'. This will manually trigger the smart-card authentication prompt.

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