MS Access "Can't complete the Output operation"

Anonymous
2022-07-16T01:05:33+00:00

I have an Access DB which has a number of reports that can be exported - mostly in .xls format. Starting the last few days, attempting to export the reports for some users results in Runtime Error 2587 - "Can't complete the output operation". This only happens with .xls. All other export formats work without issue - .pdf, .rtf, .txt. I have tried performing exports directly through the ribbon to isolate and ensure there's no syntax or similar issue with my VB code. When attempting to export through the ribbon, the error message still says "Can't complete the output operation". Again, I can export these same reports to all the other available formats from the ribbon with no issue. It's just excel causing the issue.

I cannot replicate this issue on my system which makes troubleshooting difficult. Based on the limited similar issue's I've found posted I have had the end users with this issue attempt running a repair on Office 365 and rebooting their systems with no success. I am not a system admin so my access is limited and am currently waiting on assistance from that department.

Some users are running Win 10, some Win 11. All users have the same Surface pro. All users have Office 365 installed from the same package. I've had users with this issue send me their .mdb to try on my system and the issue goes away - further indicating this is an issue with the particular devices, and not with the database itself.

Logically speaking, it sounds to me like an issue with Office but this is a little above me so looking for some guidance on how I may be able to troubleshoot such an issue, especially being that I can only attempt fixes remotely on other users' systems.

Thank you!

Microsoft 365 and Office | Access | For business | Other

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Anonymous
2022-07-18T22:41:32+00:00

If you are using Office 365 Current Channel, which is Version 2206, there is an update available, which you can get by choosing File/Account/Office Updates/Update Now. This should take you to Build 15330.20264.

Can anyone who is hitting this problem update to this version, and let us know if you are still seeing a problem with import/export?

Shane Groff

Access Engineering

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  1. Anonymous
    2022-07-19T18:31:01+00:00

    @Shane: are you conflagrating the "Export to Text" issue (the topic of this thread) and the "MDE/ACCDE Library" issue (the topic of your link)?
    Will both be pushed out at the same time perhaps?

    The same update should fix both issues.

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  2. Anonymous
    2022-07-19T17:59:23+00:00

    This build seems to be nowhere to be found for Office 2016, I have a major client waiting for the fix. Will it show up on the night of the 19th?

    If you are referring to the MSI version of Office 2016, no, there will not be an update on July 19th. This page Error when trying to open an ACCDE/MDE file created in a different version of Access (microsoft.com), will have the information about when updates will be available for each version and channel.

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  3. Anonymous
    2022-07-19T17:56:27+00:00

    I can't say for certain yet when the fix will be available for Semi-Annual Channel, other than to say it will be no later than August 9. This page Error when trying to open an ACCDE/MDE file created in a different version of Access (microsoft.com) will be updated with the information when it is available.

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  4. Anonymous
    2022-07-19T17:24:09+00:00

    This build seems to be nowhere to be found for Office 2016, I have a major client waiting for the fix. Will it show up on the night of the 19th?

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