Office Compatibility Issues

How to Fix Access OCX Compatibility Problems After 64-Bit Office Installation

Tauseeq Magsi Sep 27, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user needs to resolve compatibility errors when running an older Access database in a 64-bit Microsoft Office environment, specifically regarding missing OCX references.

Fix Access OCX Compatibility Problems After 64-Bit Office Installation

Product: Microsoft Access
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Attempting to run a legacy Access database after upgrading the system or software to the 64-bit version of Microsoft Office.
Observed behavior: The database fails to function correctly, displaying missing reference errors for msflxgrd.ocx and msdatgrd.ocx, and throwing the VBA error "Can't find project or library."

Before you start

Before making changes to your Microsoft Office installation or modifying VBA code, ensure you have administrative privileges on your PC and create a secure backup copy of your Access database file.

Solution 1Recommended

Revert to the 32-bit Version of Microsoft Office

Since many older ActiveX (OCX) controls do not have official 64-bit versions, reinstalling the 32-bit version of Microsoft Office is the most direct and reliable fix.

64-bit applications cannot load 32-bit dependencies. Files located in the SysWOW64 directory are 32-bit and are not automatically compatible with 64-bit Office, making a rollback highly recommended if a database rewrite is not feasible.

Uninstall 64-bit Office

Open the Windows Control Panel or Settings app, navigate to 'Apps' or 'Programs and Features', locate your Microsoft Office installation, and select 'Uninstall'.

Download the 32-bit Installer

Log into your Microsoft account online, navigate to your software installation options, and explicitly choose the 32-bit version from the advanced download settings.

Install and Verify

Run the downloaded 32-bit setup file. Once the installation is complete, launch Microsoft Access and open your database to confirm that the OCX compatibility issues are resolved.

Revert to the 32-bit Version of Microsoft Office

Compatibility Restored: Running the 32-bit version of Access restores native support for legacy 32-bit OCX controls, instantly fixing the missing reference errors.

Solution 2

Redesign Forms and Remove Incompatible OCX Dependencies

If your organization requires 64-bit Office, you must update the Access application to eliminate reliance on the deprecated 32-bit OCX controls.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Avoid Complex Compatibility Issues with WPS Office

Dealing with legacy database architectures and 64-bit Office limitations can be frustrating. For your standard document processing, spreadsheet analysis, and presentations, switch to WPS Office. It provides a lightweight, highly compatible, and seamless experience without the heavy architecture conflicts of traditional software.

1. Download WPS Office: Visit the official WPS website and download the free installation package.
2. Install the Software: Run the installer and follow the quick on-screen instructions to set up the suite on your device.
3. Open Your Office Files: Drag and drop your existing .docx, .xlsx, or .pptx files directly into WPS Office to continue working seamlessly.

Fully compatible with Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint file formatsLightweight architecture with fast installation and launch speedsFamiliar user interface requiring zero learning curve for easy migrationFree to use with comprehensive tools for everyday office tasks

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Why won't 32-bit OCX files in the SysWOW64 folder work with 64-bit Access?

The SysWOW64 folder is actually used by Windows to store 32-bit system files. Because 64-bit applications (like 64-bit Access) require 64-bit dependencies, they fundamentally cannot load 32-bit OCX controls, regardless of which folder they reside in.

How do I fix the 'Can't find project or library' VBA error?

This error occurs when Access tries to load a module or control that is missing or incompatible. To fix it, open the VBA Editor (Alt + F11), go to Tools > References, find the items marked as 'MISSING', and uncheck them. You will then need to update your code to remove features relying on those missing libraries.

Are there 64-bit versions of msflxgrd.ocx and msdatgrd.ocx available?

Microsoft has generally not provided official 64-bit updates for many legacy ActiveX controls. To achieve the same functionality in 64-bit Office, developers typically must purchase third-party 64-bit grid controls or rebuild the forms using standard Access features.

Office App Problems