Office Performance Issues

Fix Microsoft Project 365 Memory Error After Office Update

Natalie Taylor Oct 23, 2026 868 views

Question details

The user is experiencing a memory error in Microsoft Project 365 after a recent Office update, which conflicts with a Microsoft Access Database Engine 2016 installation.

How to Fix Microsoft Project 365 Memory Error After an Office Update

Product: Microsoft Project 365
Device & OS: Windows
Scenario: Launching and operating Microsoft Project 365 after system or database components have been modified or updated.
Observed behavior: Microsoft Project 365 fails to run properly and displays a memory error notification, disrupting workflow.

Before you start

Before modifying system components or registry keys, identify which third-party applications on your computer rely on the Microsoft Access Database Engine to prevent breaking other software.

Solution 1Recommended

Manually Update Office and Verify Compatibility

Force Microsoft 365 to fetch internal updates and check third-party app compatibility to resolve conflicts naturally.

Recent versions of Microsoft Office do not receive their standard application updates through Windows Update. Instead, they use an internal update mechanism to deliver patches that can fix performance bugs and memory errors.

Open an Office Application

Launch any standard Microsoft Office application, such as Word or Excel, and open a blank document.

Access Update Options

Click on 'File' in the top-left corner, navigate to 'Account' (or 'Office Account' in some versions) on the left sidebar.

Trigger the Update

Click the 'Update Options' button next to the Office Updates section, and select 'Update Now' from the drop-down menu.

Investigate Third-Party Apps

Review recently installed software that may have bundled the Microsoft Access Database Engine 2016. Check with the software provider to ensure their database integration is compatible with the latest Microsoft 365 build.

Manually Update Office and Verify Compatibility

Update Process: Ensure you have a stable internet connection before clicking 'Update Now', as Office will download the latest component patches in the background.

Solution 2

Temporarily Remove Conflicting mso.dll Registry Value

Use the Windows Registry Editor to bypass the memory error by removing the specific registry value causing the conflict.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Switch to WPS Office for a Stable, Error-Free Experience

If complex Microsoft Office updates and component conflicts frequently result in memory errors or crashes, consider switching to WPS Office. It is a lightweight, independent suite that handles your productivity needs without taxing system resources.

Highly lightweight architecture that prevents system resource exhaustion and memory errors.Fully compatible with Microsoft Office document formats, including .docx, .xlsx, and .pptx.Independent update framework that doesn't rely on or conflict with older database engines.All-in-one tabbed interface for seamless switching between documents, spreadsheets, and presentations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why doesn't Windows Update automatically install the latest Office patches?

For recent versions of Microsoft 365, updates are managed internally by the Office applications themselves rather than through the standard Windows Update service. Users must manually check for updates via File > Account > Update Options.

How did the Microsoft Access Database Engine 2016 get installed on my computer?

This database engine is often installed silently in the background as a prerequisite by third-party software, especially applications originally developed in Access, to enable data sharing with Office files.

Is it safe to delete registry keys like mso.dll?

Editing the Windows Registry always carries inherent risks, as deleting the wrong key can cause system instability. While removing the mso.dll value is a known temporary workaround for this specific memory error, it is highly recommended to back up your registry before making changes.

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