Office Settings & Configuration

How to Fix Cannot Join Access Queries Using a Date Field in Microsoft Access

Maira Mehtab Sep 28, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user is unable to create joins between queries using specific fields, as the interface blocks the action.

How to Fix Cannot Join Access Queries Using a Date Field in Microsoft Access

Product: Microsoft Access
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Attempting to drag date or number fields to establish joins or relationships between queries.
Observed behavior: When dragging fields like SampleDate or SampleNumber, the mouse pointer turns into a prohibited symbol, preventing the join from being created.

Before you start

Before troubleshooting, verify your exact Microsoft 365 build number and ensure your Office applications are fully updated to the latest release.

Solution 1Recommended

Move Microsoft Access to the Primary Monitor

Resolves dragging and dropping UI glitches caused by multi-monitor display scaling issues in Microsoft 365.

In some builds of Microsoft 365, application interface features such as drag-and-drop can malfunction when the application is displayed on a secondary or external monitor. Moving the application back to the main display often restores normal functionality.

Identify your primary monitor

Right-click your desktop and select Display Settings to determine which of your screens is currently designated as the primary display.

Relocate the Access window

Click and drag the Microsoft Access application window from your secondary or external monitor over to the primary monitor.

Retry joining the queries

Open your query in Design View and try dragging the SampleDate or SampleNumber field again to create the join.

Move Microsoft Access to the Primary Monitor

Quick Workaround: If you frequently work on a secondary monitor, updating to the newest Microsoft 365 build may permanently patch this multi-monitor bug.

Solution 2

Test with a New Sample Database

Helps determine whether the joining issue is specific to a corrupted database file or a broader Access installation problem.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why do I see a prohibited symbol when dragging fields in Access?

This commonly occurs due to display scaling glitches when using Microsoft Access on a secondary or external monitor. Moving the application window to your primary display usually restores the drag-and-drop functionality.

Can mismatched data types prevent query joins in Access?

Yes. If the fields you are attempting to join have different underlying data types (for example, trying to join a Date/Time field with a Short Text field), Access will block the relationship. Both fields must share the exact same data type.

How do I safely share an Access database for troubleshooting?

Before sharing an .accdb file on forums or with support teams, create a copy of the database and delete all confidential or proprietary data. Leave only the sample tables and queries necessary to demonstrate the issue, and ensure the file is sanitized.

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