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Fix MS Access Error When Transferring Queries Between Databases

Kushani Nimanthika Sep 27, 2026 869 views

Question details

Users are experiencing error prompts in Microsoft Access when attempting to transfer queries from one database to another following a recent Office update.

How to Fix Microsoft Access Errors When Transferring Queries

Product: Microsoft Access
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Transferring queries between Microsoft Access databases.
Observed behavior: An error is displayed during the query transfer process, often indicating missing system tables like MSysSQLComments generated by the Monaco SQL Editor.

Before you start

Ensure you have backed up both the source and target Microsoft Access databases before modifying system tables or rolling back Office updates to prevent accidental data loss.

Solution 1Recommended

Verify Target Database and Run the Query Anyway

In many cases, the query will still transfer and run successfully despite the error message about the missing MSysSQLComments table.

The MSysSQLComments table is created when the Monaco SQL Editor is enabled. Its absence in the target database usually triggers a warning but does not break the query's core functionality.

Proceed with Transfer

Attempt the query transfer from the source database to the target database and acknowledge the error prompt regarding the MSysSQLComments table.

Open Target Database

Navigate to and open your target Microsoft Access database where the query was transferred.

Test the Query

Locate the newly transferred query in your navigation pane and double-click it to verify it executes correctly without the system table.

Verify Target Database and Run the Query Anyway

Safe to Ignore: If the query runs normally in the target database, you can safely ignore the transfer error as a minor bug introduced by recent updates.

Solution 2

Disable the Monaco SQL Editor

Disabling the Monaco SQL Editor prevents the creation of the MSysSQLComments system table, stopping the transfer warning from appearing.

Solution 3

Roll Back the Recent Office Update

Since this error is a known issue frequently introduced in recent Microsoft 365 updates, reverting to a previous version will temporarily bypass the bug.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Switch to WPS Office for Seamless Document Management

While Microsoft Access handles complex relational databases, WPS Office provides a free, lightweight, and comprehensive alternative for handling your exported database data, spreadsheets, documents, and presentations.

1. Visit the Official Website: Go to the official WPS Office website to find the latest free version.
2. Download the Installer: Click the 'Free Download' button to download the installer for your operating system.
3. Install and Launch: Run the downloaded file and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the setup.

Fully compatible with Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPoint formats to analyze exported database tables.Lightweight installation that consumes minimal system resources compared to Microsoft Office.Familiar, tabbed user interface making migration completely seamless.Built-in PDF editing and AI tools at no extra cost.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the MSysSQLComments table in Microsoft Access?

The MSysSQLComments table is a hidden system table automatically created by Microsoft Access when the Monaco SQL Editor is enabled and a query is saved. It is designed to store query formatting and associated comments.

Why do queries trigger errors when transferring between Access databases?

Transfers often trigger errors if the target database lacks the MSysSQLComments system table found in the source database. This discrepancy frequently causes warning prompts following a recent Microsoft 365 update.

Can I safely ignore the MSysSQLComments error during a query transfer?

Yes, in most cases. Even if Microsoft Access displays an error regarding this missing system table, the core query will typically transfer and execute normally in your target database.

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