MS Access allows users to create databases to store and track all kinds of information, such as contacts, inventory, and more. However while accessing a database or its objects, users can sometimes encounter the ‘ID’ is not an index in this table error message.
When you encounter the MS Access ID is not an index in this table error message, in the majority of the cases, it indicates a database corruption. However, in some cases, it can also occur while trying to access database objects like tables, forms, queries, or more.
Let’s dive further in and understand the causes behind this annoying error message.
What are the Causes Behind the ID is not an index in this table Error Message?
Many users encounter the MS Access ‘ID’ is not an index in this table error message while attempting to open an Access database or its tables.
The reason behind this annoying error message is corruption in the database file. However, this unexpected corruption can occur in the following scenarios –
- The database shared across a network is being used by multiple users at an instance.
- A bug in the VB Code.
- Different users using different versions of MS Access to open the database shared over a network.
Methods to Fix the MS Access ID is not an index in this table Error Message
As mentioned above, the Access ‘ID’ is not an index in this table error message indicates a possible database corruption. For fixing database corruption, you can try one of the following step-by-step methods.
Method 1: Manually Export Objects to a New Access Database
If you are getting the ID is not an index in this table error message while trying to open a corrupted Access database, you can manually export its objects to a new database. Here are the steps to export objects from a corrupted database file to a new database file –
- Launch MS Access on your Windows PC.
- Click on Blank desktop database.
- Give it a file name and click Create.
- Click on External Data in the menu bar and click on Access.
- You will see the Get External Data – Access Database wizard.
- Click on Browse to select the corrupted Access database.
- Select the Import tables, queries, etc. option and click OK.
- You will see the Import Objects window. Select the objects that you want to import from the corrupt database file to the new one. You can also click Select All to select all the objects of the corrupted database file.
Note – You will have to press the Select All button in every tab.
- Once you have selected the desired objects, click OK.
- It will start importing the objects in the new Access database file.
Note – The Get External Data wizard will prompt you to save the import steps. You can select the Save import steps option or leave it unchecked.
- Click Close.
Method 2: Repair the Corrupted Access Database File via the Compact & Repair Utility
Compact & Repair is a built-in MS Access utility that improves the performance of your database by eliminating unused space. It also fixes any corruption or damage to the database due to its growing size. This utility is quite helpful and easy to use.
If you are able to open the database file but are encountering the ‘ID’ is not an index in this table error message while accessing tables, follow the steps mentioned below –
- Click on Database Tools in the menu bar.
- Click on Compact and Repair Database.
It will repair any damages or signs of corruption that might be causing errors while opening objects.
Method 3: Use an Access Database Repair Software
In the majority of database corruption scenarios, the Compact and Repair utility can help you easily repair a problematic Access database file and restore its contents. However, if it fails to address the underlying issues behind the Access ID is not an index in this table error message or the database corruption is beyond the scope of the methods explained above, you can try to fix the corrupt Access database with the help of a professional Access database repair software.
An Access database repair software like Stellar Repair for Access is a specialized utility for repairing corrupt and inaccessible MS Access files. It is a trusted software that is recommended by MVPs around the globe. It is a simple-to-use tool that simplifies the process of repairing Access database files of major file formats including .ACCDB, and .MDB. This advanced utility supports Office 365, Access 2019, 2016, 2013, up till Access 2002.
Whether the Access database is in an inconsistent state, is showing errors due to database corruption, or the Compact & Repair utility has failed to repair the database, this advanced software can help you fix the issues and recover the database swiftly.
Additionally, this Access repair software helps recover objects, such as tables, queries, forms, reports, etc., from a severely corrupt Access database. Finally, before saving the recoverable data, users can preview the objects to ensure their integrity.
Here is a step-by-step guide to repair an Access database using Stellar Repair for Access –
- Download and install Stellar Repair for Access on your computer.
- Launch it.
- Click on Select Database and Browse for the corrupted Access database file.
- After selecting the file, click on Repair.
- It will show you all the recovered objects from the corrupted database file.
- Select the objects in the tree view to preview them.
- If you are satisfied, click on Save Database.
Note – You will have to activate the product by purchasing its license. Once done, follow the on-screen instructions to save the recoverable objects.
Conclusion
Database files store confidential or important data that is vital for any organization. However, with multiple users accessing a single database, it becomes susceptible to corruption or attacks by malicious users. Along with these, buggy software, hardware failure, and more can also result in corrupted database files.
Hence, a database should be split to ensure optimal performance and limited access to confidential data. Along with this, regular backups should be taken to avoid data loss. Finally, as a contingency plan, you should always have an Access recovery software installed on your computer.