Fix Access Run-Time Error 3027: Database or Object Is Read-Only
Question details
The user is attempting to run an Access VBA procedure to update data but receives an error stating the database cannot be updated because it is read-only.
- Product
- Microsoft Access
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Running an Access VBA procedure that updates Excel data located in a SharePoint table.
- Observed behavior
- The VBA procedure fails and displays Run-time error 3027: Cannot update. Database or object is read-only.
Ensure you have administrative privileges to modify folder attributes and verify that no other users currently have the database or SharePoint table open in an exclusive state.
Verify and Uncheck Read-Only File Attributes
The most common reason for Error 3027 is that the database file or the folder containing it has been marked as read-only by the operating system.
If a file is transferred over a network, downloaded from certain locations, or explicitly locked, its file properties may switch to read-only. Access requires write permissions to create a lock file (.laccdb) when modifying data.
Open Windows File Explorer and navigate to the folder where your Access database file (.accdb or .mdb) is stored.
Right-click the database file and select 'Properties' from the context menu.
Under the 'General' tab, look at the Attributes section. If the 'Read-only' box is checked, uncheck it. Click 'Apply' and then 'OK'.
Right-click the parent folder, select 'Properties', go to the 'Security' tab, and ensure your user account has 'Write' or 'Full control' permissions.
Disable the Track Name AutoCorrect Feature
Track Name AutoCorrect can sometimes inadvertently lock objects in the background, causing read-only conflicts when executing VBA code.
Run Compact and Repair Database
Corrupted database tables or lingering background locks can trick Access into believing the database is read-only.
Manage Data Seamlessly with WPS Office
If complex database errors and VBA read-only conflicts are slowing down your workflow, consider handling your spreadsheet and data management tasks with WPS Office. It provides a highly compatible, free alternative to Microsoft Office suites without the heavy overhead.
- 1. Download WPS Office: Visit the official WPS website to download the free application suite.
- 2. Open Your Data: Launch WPS Spreadsheets and open your existing Excel data files effortlessly.
- 3. Edit Without Errors: Edit, format, and organize your tables directly without worrying about intricate VBA database locks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Access say my database is read-only when it's not?
This can happen if you lack Write permissions to the network folder containing the file, if another user has opened the database exclusively, or if a leftover lock file (.laccdb) from a previous crash is stuck in the directory.
Can VBA code cause Run-time error 3027?
Yes. If your VBA code explicitly opens a Recordset or Workspace using a read-only lock parameter (such as dbReadOnly in DAO), any subsequent attempts to use the .Update method will trigger Error 3027.
Does updating SharePoint data through Access require special permissions?
Yes. When Access links to a SharePoint list, the ability to update data depends entirely on your SharePoint user permissions. If your account only has 'Read' access on SharePoint, Access will return a read-only error when trying to write data.
