Office Apps Crashing

Fix Microsoft Access Crashing with InStr in Query WHERE Clause

Huda Qurayshi Sep 30, 2026 868 views

Question details

Microsoft Access crashes when the InStr function is executed within a query WHERE clause following a recent Office update.

Fix Microsoft Access Crashing with InStr in Query WHERE Clause

Product: Microsoft Access
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Running a database query in Microsoft Access using the InStr function to filter specific text records in the WHERE clause.
Observed behavior: The application abruptly crashes when running the query, even though the exact same InStr expression functions correctly when placed in the SELECT list.

Before you start

Ensure you save all open databases and backup your Access files before applying Office updates or modifying query structures to prevent accidental data loss.

Solution 1Recommended

Update Microsoft Office to Version 2404 or Later

The official and safest fix is to install the latest Office update that contains the bug resolution.

Microsoft acknowledged this bug and officially fixed it in Office version 2404, released on May 1st. Installing this update restores normal functionality without requiring query modifications.

Open Account Settings

Launch Microsoft Access, click on 'File' in the top-left corner, and select 'Account' from the left-hand menu.

Check for Updates

Click on the 'Update Options' button located under the Product Information section.

Install the Update

Select 'Update Now' from the dropdown menu to check for and install the latest versions. Ensure your build updates to version 2404 or higher.

Restart and Test

Once the update is complete, restart Microsoft Access and run your query to verify the crash is resolved.

Update Microsoft Office to Version 2404 or Later

Solution 2

Use the Optional Compare Argument in InStr

If you cannot update Office immediately, modifying the InStr function arguments serves as an effective temporary workaround.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why does InStr cause Access to crash only in the WHERE clause?

A bug introduced in a specific Microsoft Office update disrupted how the database engine evaluates the InStr function when it is used for filtering data in a WHERE clause, though the logic for projecting data in the SELECT clause remained unaffected.

Can I fix the crash by reverting my ACEES.DLL file?

Reverting or manually replacing Office DLL files such as ACEES.DLL is highly discouraged. It compromises software security, risks system instability, and the manual changes will simply be overwritten during your next automatic Office update.

Is the InStr crash bug permanently resolved by Microsoft?

Yes, Microsoft officially resolved this bug in Office version 2404, which was released on May 1st. Updating your Office suite to this build or a newer version will permanently stop the crashes from occurring.

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