How to Fix Microsoft Access Query Wizard Freezing or Hiding Fields
Question details
Users experience Microsoft Access Query Wizards freezing, omitting tables and fields, or displaying "Cannot join" errors when creating queries.
- Product
- Microsoft Access
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Creating or modifying queries using the Query Wizard or Unmatched Query Wizard in Microsoft Access.
- Observed behavior
- The query wizard freezes, hides fields from the selection list, or throws a "Cannot join on Memo, OLE, or Hyperlink Object" error.
Before modifying field data types or running database repairs, ensure you create a backup copy of your Access database file to prevent accidental data loss.
Match Field Data Types for Query Joins
Fixes join errors by ensuring the connected fields in your query have identical and compatible data types.
Microsoft Access cannot create joins or relationships using Long Text (formerly Memo), OLE Objects, or Hyperlink fields. Both columns used in the join must have matching properties.
Right-click your table in the Navigation Pane and select 'Design View'.
Locate the field you want to join and change its Data Type from 'Long Text' or 'Memo' to 'Short Text'.
Check the Field Properties at the bottom and ensure the 'Field Size' exactly matches the corresponding field in the other table.
Save the table changes, close Design View, and attempt to run the Query Wizard again.
Compact and Repair the Database
Resolves internal database corruption and bloat that can cause Access wizards to freeze or misbehave.
Perform an Online Repair of Microsoft Office
Fixes underlying software corruption if wizards freeze across multiple databases or if the issue started after a recent Office update.
Tired of Office Freezes? Switch to the Lightweight WPS Office
While WPS Office does not feature a direct database application like MS Access, it serves as a highly reliable, completely free alternative for your core word processing, spreadsheet, and presentation needs. If heavy Microsoft 365 updates are causing your system to freeze, WPS Office provides a stable, unified platform with high compatibility.
- 1. Download WPS Office: Visit the official WPS website and download the free installation package.
- 2. Install the Suite: Run the installer to set up WPS Writer, Spreadsheet, and Presentation in one unified app.
- 3. Open Your Office Files: Double-click your existing .docx, .xlsx, or .pptx files to seamlessly open and edit them in WPS Office.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Access say 'Cannot join on Memo, OLE, or Hyperlink Object'?
This error is triggered when you try to create a table relationship or join query using fields formatted as Long Text (Memo), OLE Objects, or Hyperlinks. Access requires fields used for joins to have identical, strictly defined constraints, which is why Short Text or Number fields must be used instead.
Will reinstalling Microsoft 365 delete my Access databases?
No. Uninstalling or repairing Microsoft Office only removes and replaces the software application files. Your personal Access databases (.accdb or .mdb files), as well as your Word and Excel documents, remain completely safe on your local storage.
Why are some fields missing in the Unmatched Query Wizard?
Fields can appear missing if the list is too long for the initial window. Simply scroll down through the field selection list to find the omitted fields (like the 'Client' field). Alternatively, double-check that the fields haven't been intentionally hidden in the table's Design View.
Can a Windows or Office update cause Access wizards to freeze?
Yes. If multiple computers in an office suddenly experience the exact same wizard freezing issue, it is highly likely that a recent Microsoft update introduced a bug or corrupted the wizard files. Rolling back the update or performing an Online Repair usually resolves this.
