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

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
Answer accepted by question author
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

Was this answer helpful?

10+ people found this answer helpful.
0 comments No comments

138 additional answers

Sort by: Most helpful
  1. Anonymous
    2022-07-19T20:43:00+00:00

    Confirmed - fixed.

    Steps to recreate:

    1. Create new MS Access DB
    2. Create a blank report
    3. View
    4. Export to Excel - error

    (The Visual Basic code contains a syntax error or the Output procedures are not available)

    Remedy:

    Once updated on 2206 channel (Build is now15330.20260)...

    Repeats same steps - exports successfully.

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments No comments
  2. Tom van Stiphout 40,216 Reputation points MVP Volunteer Moderator
    2022-07-19T20:37:19+00:00

    Office 2010 is out of support so won't be included in any communications, but if you can read the tea leaves your configuration will be patched in early August.

    End of support for Office 2010 (microsoft.com)

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments No comments
  3. Anonymous
    2022-07-19T20:26:29+00:00

    So why are we having the same issue in Office 2010 and that hasn't been updated? It's a Windows 7 computer with Office 2010. These reports have been running from this computer nightly for years. After this error popped today on those running Office 2021, it now won't work on Office 2010.

    That doesn't make any sense.

    Thanks,

    Jessica

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments No comments
  4. Anonymous
    2022-07-19T20:26:18+00:00

    Just says 365 MSO next to version and build number

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments No comments