Fix Access ODBC File Already in Use Error with Adobe Designer
Question details
The user needs to resolve an 'already in use' error when Adobe Designer connects to an Access database using an ODBC driver.
- Product
- Microsoft Access
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Upgrading from 32-bit Office 2016 to 64-bit Microsoft 365 Apps and previewing a PDF in Adobe Designer.
- Observed behavior
- Adobe Designer displays a 'file already in use' error because of a lingering LDB lock file, architecture mismatch, or Click-to-Run virtualization blocking access.
Ensure you have administrator privileges on your computer to modify ODBC Data Source settings and verify that all instances of Adobe Designer and Microsoft Access are completely closed.
Verify Architecture and ODBC DSN Configuration
Ensure that the bit-version of the ODBC drivers aligns with both Microsoft 365 and Adobe Designer.
Upgrading from 32-bit to 64-bit Office can cause architecture mismatches with older 32-bit applications like Adobe Designer. Furthermore, Microsoft 365 uses Click-to-Run virtualization, which historically isolated the Access Database Engine. While version 2009 and later exposed these interfaces, DSN configurations may still need to be updated to match the correct 64-bit drivers.
Press the Windows key, type 'ODBC Data Sources', and select the version (32-bit or 64-bit) that matches your Adobe Designer architecture.
Navigate to the 'System DSN' or 'User DSN' tab and locate the connection used by Adobe Designer.
Ensure the DSN is utilizing the 'Microsoft Access Driver (*.mdb, *.accdb)' corresponding to your new 64-bit Microsoft 365 installation. Recreate the DSN if it points to a missing 32-bit driver.
Clear Orphaned Access Lock Files (.ldb or .laccdb)
Remove leftover lock files that falsely tell Adobe Designer the database is currently open.
Check Group Policy Protected View Settings
Ensure that Office security settings are not preventing Adobe Designer from reading the database file.
Try WPS Office for a Seamless Productivity Experience
If you are tired of dealing with complex Click-to-Run virtualization and architecture mismatches in Microsoft 365, WPS Office offers a lightweight, hassle-free alternative. It provides high compatibility with standard Office formats without the heavy system footprint.
- 1. Download WPS Office: Visit the official WPS website and download the free installer for your operating system.
- 2. Install the Software: Run the setup file and follow the quick installation prompts. WPS Office installs in seconds without complex virtualization.
- 3. Open Your Documents: Launch WPS Office and easily open your existing .docx, .xlsx, or .pptx files with full formatting intact.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Adobe Designer say my Access database is already in use?
This error typically occurs if an orphaned .ldb or .laccdb lock file exists in the database directory, or if there is a conflict between 32-bit and 64-bit ODBC drivers preventing the file from being released properly.
What is Click-to-Run virtualization in Microsoft 365?
Click-to-Run is a technology used to install and update Office. It creates an isolated virtual environment, which historically made it difficult for external applications like Adobe Designer to locate the Access Database Engine interfaces for ODBC or OLEDB connections.
How do I fix ODBC driver architecture mismatches?
You must ensure that the bit-version of your ODBC drivers matches the application calling them. If Adobe Designer is 32-bit and Microsoft 365 is 64-bit, you may need to install the Microsoft Access Database Engine 2016 Redistributable (32-bit) to bridge the gap.
Can Protected View affect my ODBC connection?
Yes, strict Protected View settings or Group Policies in Microsoft 365 can prevent external applications from accessing network files or database connections. Adding the database location to the Trust Center Trusted Locations often resolves this.
