Cannot start Access today. Get error "Automatic configuration of the current version of Microsoft Access has failed."

Anonymous
2018-03-04T21:26:15+00:00

Hello

I have been using office 2016 (16.0.9029.2167) for about 8 months. Today Access will not start. I get the error "Automatic configuration of the current version of Microsoft Access has failed. Your database might not function correctly. This can occur if you do not have the necessary permissions to install Microsoft Access on this computer."

  1. Been using Office 2016 for months.
  2. Using it as administrator.
  3. I have changed nothing on the computer deliberately.
  4. When I go into Apps and Features I see that the date against Microsoft Access Pro Plus - en - us is 4th. Mar 2018 which is yesterday in Australia. I did not change/add any features.
  5. I have Windows 10 Pro, Version 1709, OS Build 16299.248

Any help appreciated.

BTW how do I see if an update to Office occurred on 4 Mar 2018?

Microsoft 365 and Office | Access | For home | Windows

Locked Question. This question was migrated from the Microsoft Support Community. You can vote on whether it's helpful, but you can't add comments or replies or follow the question.

0 comments No comments

60 answers

Sort by: Most helpful
  1. Anonymous
    2018-03-09T17:26:31+00:00

    So, have you simply tried reverting your office installation to a prior build, basically uninstall the latest build?  This has been confirmed by at least a dozen people as the workaround and doesn't require installing any new software.

    Was this answer helpful?

    1 person found this answer helpful.
    0 comments No comments
  2. Anonymous
    2018-03-04T23:17:51+00:00

    Did you try the registry hack suggested in the first link I provided?

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments No comments
  3. Anonymous
    2018-03-04T22:57:29+00:00

    I went through the process of Microsoft's fix of them removing my programs and reinstalling them under Under install/reinstall programs but it didn't help.  I am ready to pull my  hair out.  Have a long list of home business customers on my Access file and now can't get to them. UGH.

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments No comments
  4. Anonymous
    2018-03-04T22:50:18+00:00

    There have been numerous posts about this very problem in the past few days.  I've reported it to the Dev Team, but haven't heard back.  If i do, i will report back.

    A person reported a possible registry fix, see

    https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/msoffice/forum/msoffice_access-mso_win10-mso_2016/fresh-installed-access-2016-reports-error/9476fe3c-03d2-4d0c-ad62-b706200dbd34

    Otherwise, I'd completely uninstall Office using option 2 from https://support.office.com/en-us/article/uninstall-office-from-a-pc-9dd49b83-264a-477a-8fcc-2fdf5dbf61d8 and then reinstall it.  I've had to do this for numerous clients because of all the issues with office 365 and it always seems to resolve whatever the issue is/was.

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments No comments
  5. Anonymous
    2018-03-04T22:39:03+00:00

    I have the same message coming up and I cannot get into Access.  Same situation nothing has changed and been using office 365 for a year.  Suddenly it comes up with the same message that Automatic configuration of the current version of Access has failed. I have tried a lot of suggestions and nothing has worked.  Microsoft wants me to pay $500 for their engineer to help me, though I pay for a subscription for having Access along with the other office products.  Can anyone help?

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments No comments