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Fix Microsoft Access Error 2113 When Setting a Combo Box Value

Steve K Sep 28, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user encounters run-time error 2113 in Microsoft Access when using a VBA expression to set the value of a combo box.

How to Fix Access Error 2113 When Setting a Combo Box Value

Product: Microsoft Access
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Attempting to select or set the first item in a combo box automatically using the VBA code Me.ProductID = Me.ProductID.Column(0, 0).
Observed behavior: The system triggers run-time error 2113, which prevents the combo box value from being set successfully.

Before you start

Before modifying your form's VBA code or control properties, ensure you note down the exact text of error 2113 and the specific form event that is triggering it.

Solution 1Recommended

Verify Combo Box Name and Data Type Binding

Ensure the combo box control is correctly named and its bound column matches the data type assigned by the VBA expression.

Error 2113 typically occurs when the data type of the assigned value does not match the data type expected by the bound field. Checking the property sheet settings will resolve most mapping issues.

Open Design View

Right-click your target form in the Access navigation pane and select Design View.

Check Control Name

Select the combo box, open the Property Sheet (press F4), and verify the 'Name' property is spelled exactly as 'ProductID' to match your code.

Inspect Bound Column

Navigate to the Data tab in the Property Sheet and check the 'Bound Column' value (usually set to 1).

Match Data Types

Ensure the data type of the Bound Column matches the data type of the value returned by Column(0, 0). If the bound field expects a number but the column returns a string, adjust your query or table schema accordingly.

Verify Combo Box Name and Data Type Binding

Zero-Based Indexing: Remember that the Column property uses zero-based indexing. Column(0, 0) explicitly refers to the first column and the first row of your combo box.

Solution 2

Move Code to the Correct Form Event

Running VBA code in the wrong event procedure can trigger error 2113 if the control is not yet fully initialized or populated.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What does error 2113 mean in Microsoft Access?

Error 2113 translates to 'The value you entered isn't valid for this field.' It frequently happens when a VBA script attempts to assign a value with a mismatched data type (like placing text into a number field) to a form control.

How does the Column property work in Access VBA?

The Column property in Access VBA relies on zero-based indexing. For instance, Column(0, 0) fetches the data located specifically in the first column and the first row of a combo box or list box.

How can I tell if my Access combo box is bound or unbound?

Open your form in Design View, select the combo box, and view the Property Sheet (F4). Under the Data tab, if the 'Control Source' property contains a database field name, the combo box is bound. If it is completely empty, it is an unbound control.

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