"Cannot Update. Database or Object Is Read-Only" error message when you convert an uncompiled, read-only database (825797)


The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Office Access 2003
Novice: Requires knowledge of the user interface on single-user computers. This article applies only to a Microsoft Access database (.mdb).

For a Microsoft Access 2002 version of this article, see 295200.

SYMPTOMS

When you try to convert an uncompiled, read-only database to Microsoft Office Access 2003, you may receive the following error message:
Cannot update. Database or object is read-only.
When you try to quit Access after you receive this error message, you may receive the following error message:
Microsoft Office Access has encountered a problem and needs to close. We are sorry for the inconvenience.

WORKAROUND

To work around this problem, follow these steps:
  1. Start Access 2003.
  2. On the Tools menu, point to Database Utilities, point to Convert Database, and then click To Access 2002 - 2003 File Format.
  3. In the Database to Convert From dialog box, click the database that you want to convert, and then click Convert.
  4. In the Convert Database Into dialog box, give the database a unique name, and then click Save.
  5. Click OK in the following message box: After you have converted this file to Access 2002 - 2003 File Format, the new file cannot be shared with Access 2000 users or Access 97 users.

    For more information about conversion, click Help.

STATUS

Microsoft has confirmed that this is a problem in the Microsoft products that are listed in the "Applies to" section.

MORE INFORMATION

Steps to Reproduce the Problem

  1. Start Access 2000.
  2. Create a new database.
  3. Create a new module, and then add the following code:
    Function Test()
MsgBox "Test"
End Function
  4. Save the module as Module1.
  5. Quit Access 2000.
  6. In Windows Explorer, right-click the database that you created in step 2, and then click Properties.
  7. In the Properties dialog box, click to select the Read-only check box, click Apply, and then click OK.
  8. Open the same database in Access 2003.
  9. On the Tools menu, point to Database Utilities, point to Convert Database, and then click To Access 2002 - 2003 File Format.
  10. Give your database a unique name, and then click Save.

    You receive the error message that is discussed in the "Symptoms" section of this article.
Modification Type:MinorLast Reviewed:6/1/2004
Keywords:kberrmsg kbconversion kbDatabase kbconvert kbbug KB825797 kbAudDeveloper
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