Office Settings & Configuration

How to Fix Microsoft Access Missing Image Errors After an Office Update

Maira Mehtab Sep 27, 2026 869 views

Question details

Users experience a missing image file error when opening forms in Microsoft Access, often referencing a non-existent OneDrive path, particularly after installing a recent Microsoft Office update.

Product: Microsoft Access
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Opening a database or form in Microsoft Access after a recent Office suite update.
Observed behavior: Access throws a file open error (e.g., 'Client cannot open file...') for an image path that isn't actually used. This error occurs twice before the form loads or any VBA code runs.

Before you start

Before troubleshooting the error, identify which specific Access forms trigger the prompt by opening your forms individually in Design View.

Solution 1Recommended

Locate and Recreate Invalid Linked Image Controls

Identify hidden or unused forms containing linked image or logo controls referencing incorrect OneDrive paths, and recreate them to resolve the path evaluation error.

After certain Office updates, Microsoft Access may incorrectly evaluate legacy or unused linked image paths, particularly those involving OneDrive directories, triggering false missing file warnings.

Open Database in Design View

Launch your Microsoft Access database (ACCDB file) and open the Navigation Pane to view all forms.

Inspect Forms for Linked Images

Right-click each form, particularly older or unused ones, and select 'Design View'. Look for any linked logo or image controls embedded in the form header or body.

Verify Picture Property Path

Select the image control, open the Property Sheet (F4), and check the 'Picture' property path. Look for invalid paths similar to 'D:\OneDrive/DB Local/Images/_logoimage.jpg'.

Delete and Recreate the Control

Select the problematic linked image control and press Delete. If the image is still needed, recreate the image control using a valid, fully resolved local or network path, then save and test the database.

Solution 2

Roll Back Microsoft Office to a Previous Version

If the error was introduced by a specific Office update and blocks your workflow, reverting to an earlier build can temporarily resolve the issue while Microsoft investigates.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why is Microsoft Access looking for an image file on OneDrive that I don't use?

After an Office update, Access may alter or incorrectly evaluate legacy linked image paths located in older or unused forms. This triggers missing file errors during startup, even if the specific form isn't actively used.

Can VBA code cause this missing image error?

In this specific scenario, the error typically occurs before the form opens and before any VBA code runs. This points to an issue with the form's control properties (like the Picture path) rather than your custom code.

How do I report this version-specific Access bug to Microsoft?

To help Microsoft investigate, you should create a reproducible ACCDB file that reliably shows the problem stripped of sensitive data. You can submit this file through the official Microsoft Feedback Hub or Office support channels.

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