Simple Fixes for Cannot Open or Run Macro’ Error in MS Access

Bob Maria
Bob Maria linkedin | Updated On - November 21, 2022 |

Read time: 6 minutes

Macro error or runtime error code 32002 appears as ‘Cannot open or run macro, because it is not valid’ or ‘Cannot open or run macro, because it is not valid,@@@I@@@.’

When a macro error occurs, you are unable to use the macro in MS Access. Sometimes, the Access database, which has macro, gets corrupt or damaged. If the Access database fails or crashes while you are running the macro, this error occurs. This does not indicate corruption of VBA macro code but its inability to work during its runtime.

Understanding Macro

Macro is a rule that specifies the order of a particular input sequence (like of characters) to an output sequence as per a specified procedure.

Symptoms of the error

This error appears suddenly without any prior warning or message at any moment when you run Microsoft Access. This may lead to incidents of deletion of files access database unrecognized format error or the appearance of new files (replicas), which can be attributed to viruses or malware. You may also witness a sudden decrease in your internet connection speed.

Causes of the runtime error 32002

There can be unexpected errors in every application for unknown reasons that might not have ever been experienced in the past. This is true for runtime errors as well. Generally, it is caused due to incompatible programs or memory issues, faulty graphics drivers, or virus infection.

Different methods to fix the runtime error 32002
Testing the macro using the Single Step mode

As recommended by Microsoft, using the Single Step mode to test macro will help you view the execution and results of each macro action, thus helping you identify which activity is causing the error. To do so, follow the under given steps:

  1. Open MS Access. Right-click macro from the navigation pane
  2. Click Design View.
  3. In the Tools group, click the Design tab.
  4. Click Single Step.
  5. Click Run.

If the macro you are testing is either new or edited, then save the macro as per instructions appearing before you run it.
Macro Single Step dialog box will open.

This gives details of macro and actions of it. It also gives an error number, and a zero in the error number box depicts ‘no error.’
Now perform any of the following:

  • To perform the action given in the Macro Single Step dialog box, press Step.
  • To exit, press Stop All Macros.
  • To switch off Single Step and run the remaining macro, press Continue
Running MS Access Database without VBA Code

This will work only for ACCDB files and not for ACCDE files.
While opening an Access database, press and hold the shift key; this will help you bypass the code. If the database opens successfully without error 32002, the issue is with your code. Try to fix the code.

Turning On Trusted Access to Macros
  1. Open a blank database in MS Access.
  2. Click File>Options.
  3. In the Access Options box, select Trust Center.
  4. Select Trust Center Settings.
  5. Click Enable all macros. Click OK
Closing incompatible/conflicting programs

To find and close incompatible or conflicting programs with the Operating System, open Task Manager and close the running programs one by one. Every time you close a program, check whether the issue is resolved or not. This will help you find the troubling program. To do so, follow the steps given:

  1. Press Ctrl+Alt+Del simultaneously and double click Task manager.
  2. Press ‘Process.’
  3. Double click each running program and press End Task.
  4. Every time you close a program, check
    whether the issue is fixed or not.
  5. If the issue is not resolved, then move to the next method.
Updating or reinstalling incompatible/conflicting programs

You may even try to resolve the issue by updating or reinstalling incompatible or conflicting programs, as the old version of the conflicting program may be causing this error. The updated or reinstalled new version may have features compatible with the operating system.

  1. In Control Panel, select Programs and Features.
  2. Right-click the troubling program and click Update or Uninstall.
Updating anti-virus programs or installing the latest windows update

Update your anti-virus programs, scan your device for any virus, and fix it if found.
Also, install the latest Windows update, which will provide you with the latest security features to help you fix the issue.

Re-installing runtime libraries

Runtime error may occur due to improper or incomplete installation of the Microsoft Visual C++ package. To overcome this issue, you need to uninstall the present package existing on your computer and install a new one. To do so, follow the given steps:

  1. Open Control Panel.
  2. Click Programs and Features
  3. Find and right-click MS Visual C++ Redistributable package.
  4. Click uninstall.
  5. Restart your computer.
  6. Now download and install the latest Redistributable package from Microsoft.
Running Disk Cleanup

Disk cleanup will help you create free space as less free space may cause this error.

To create more free space, you can even take a backup of your files, folders, and other data and then clear the storage device.
You can also clear the cache to free the space.

Reinstalling Graphics Driver
  1. To do so, go to Device Manager.
  2. Find graphics driver.
  3. Right-click the video card driver.
  4. Press Uninstall.
  5. Restart your PC.
Internet Explorer related Runtime error

If the error occurs is due to some issue with Internet Explorer, then follow the steps given below:
Resetting your Browser:

  1. Go to Control Panel.
  2. Select Internet Options.
  3. Click the Advanced tab.
  4. Click Reset.

Disabling Script bugging and error notifications:

  1. Go to Control Panel.
  2. Select Internet Options.
  3. Go to the Advanced tab.
  4. Find Disable Script debugging.
  5. Check on Radio. Unselect the notificaiotn option for sript error. Click Apply. Click OK.
  6. Restart your computer.
Using a third-party tool

Kernel for Access Database Repair is an easy-to-use and efficient tool to repair corrupt MS Access database files. It can open MDB file free and recover complete data from corrupt or damaged MS Access files like MDB or ACCDB files, may it be permanently deleted data like records, tables, or indexes.

Access Recovery

Conclusion:

In this blog, we discussed the reasons for the occurrence of runtime error code 32002 with proven methods to overcome the error. We have also discussed a third-party tool to help you recover MS Access database files. It is beneficial as, at times, you do not have enough time to go through every method to fix the issue. We hope you find our blog helpful.

Kernel for Access Database Repair