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Fix Cannot Link Access Queries by Date or Other Fields

Maira Mehtab Sep 22, 2026 868 views

Question details

The user is unable to create relationships between two queries by dragging fields such as SampleDate or Sample Number, and instead sees a prohibited symbol on the cursor.

Product: Microsoft Access
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Attempting to drag and drop fields to link two queries in the Query Design view.
Observed behavior: The cursor displays a prohibited symbol instead of allowing the relationship to be established, potentially triggered by running the application on a second or external monitor.

Before you start

Verify your multi-monitor configuration in Windows settings to identify which screen is set as your primary display.

Solution 1Recommended

Move Access to Your Primary Monitor

Use this solution to bypass a known display bug that occurs when Microsoft Access is running on an external or secondary monitor.

Microsoft Access sometimes encounters graphical glitches in multi-monitor setups, preventing drag-and-drop actions like linking queries. Moving the window back to the main display usually resolves this.

Grab the window title bar

Click and hold the title bar at the top of the Microsoft Access application window.

Move to the primary display

Drag the application window from your secondary or external monitor over to your primary computer monitor.

Test query linking

Maximize the window, reopen your Query Design view, and try dragging the fields (like SampleDate or Sample Number) to create the relationship again.

Restored Functionality: Once the application is rendered on the primary display, the prohibited symbol should disappear, allowing standard drag-and-drop actions.

Solution 2

Update Microsoft 365 Apps

Check for and install the latest Microsoft 365 updates to ensure any patched bugs affecting Query Design are applied.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why does the cursor show a prohibited symbol in Access query design?

This is a known graphical interface issue that often occurs when Microsoft Access is opened on or dragged to a secondary or external monitor. The software fails to register the drag-and-drop action correctly on the extended display.

How can I share a sample ACCDB file to get further support?

To share a sample database, upload the ACCDB file to a trusted cloud storage service (like OneDrive, Google Drive, or Dropbox). Generate a shareable link with appropriate permissions, and provide that link to the support forum or team.

Is there an alternative way to link queries if dragging doesn't work?

Yes. If the graphical interface is unresponsive, you can switch the Query Design view to SQL View. From there, you can manually type a JOIN clause to establish the relationship between the two queries using your desired fields.

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