How to fix Access Database error 3270?

Read time 8 minutes

In MS Access 2016 and other versions, when running code designed to retrieve data from custom fields, users may encounter a runtime error. The error message often reads, ‘Property Not Found’ or ‘Access Database Error 3270.’ This ‘Property Not Found’ error, commonly referred to as ‘Access Database Error 3270,’ can pose challenges for code authors seeking to resolve the issue, as explained below:

In this article, we will walk you through various methods to resolve Access database error 3270, often referred to as the ‘property not found’ issue. As this is a runtime error, we’ll first provide some insights into runtime errors before diving into the troubleshooting steps.

Runtime Error

Runtime Error, in essence, is a program error that manifests during the execution of a program. These errors, often colloquially known as ‘bugs,’ typically surface during the debugging phase before the software’s public release. If a runtime error emerges after the program or application has been distributed to the public, developers or companies typically issue patches or small-sized updates to rectify the issue.

Below are the Microsoft Access Error 3270 error messages that you might receive:

• “Microsoft Access Error 3270 not valid.”
• “Microsoft Access Error 3270 Software Error.”
• “Sorry, we can’t find Microsoft Access Error 3270.”
• “Error starting program: Microsoft Access Error 3270.”
• “Microsoft Access Error 3270 has encountered a problem and needs to close. We are sorry for the inconvenience.”
• “Microsoft Access Error 3270 halted.”
• “Software Path Fault: Microsoft Access Error 3270.”
• “Microsoft Access Error 3270 is not running.”
• “Microsoft Access Error 3270 not found.”

Below are a few common reasons for the existence of the Access Database error 3270:

• Incomplete MS Access installation.
• Corrupt or damaged MS Access.
• Windows registry corruption.
• Malware or virus infection.
• Use of outdated Windows versions.
• If any other program deleted Microsoft Access-related files.

In Microsoft Access 2016, the process of defining a database involves writing code in VBA (Visual Basic for Applications). VBA code can reference a collection of objects, including Data Access Objects (DAO), ActiveX Data Objects, and various others.

When custom code is written, the likelihood of encountering bugs is significant. To resolve Access database error 3270, it’s advisable to thoroughly review the code and rectify any identified mistakes. Given the connection between runtime errors and Access database error 3270, addressing this issue primarily involves code inspection and correction. This proactive approach is key to resolving the problem effectively without resorting to additional measures.

In instances where developers encounter challenges in pinpointing and rectifying issues, online communities such as the Microsoft Community offer valuable avenues for seeking assistance and guidance.

It would be inaccurate to attribute the Access database error 3270, the ‘property not found’ issue, solely to coding or programming errors. This error can also arise due to various other factors, including conflicts with other installed applications or programs, outdated application and libraries, virus attacks, outdated operating system software, and other potential conflicts. In some cases, these issues can result in Access database file corruption, leading to error messages when attempting to open the corrupted file in MS Access 2016. Consequently, users often seek solutions on how to open MDB files for free.

To address the Access database error 3270, the ‘property not found’ issue, you can attempt the following methods sequentially if correcting the Access database code does not resolve the problem.

Long hours of web browsing and computer usage accumulate a lot of junk files over a period of time, and we can refer to them as temporary or temp files. These junk files affect the system performance and applications like MS Access leading to different errors like database error 3270. To fix any such related issue, you must look to clean up all these accumulated junk files from your system. Here is how to do so.

1. Press CTRL +to open RUN utility.
2. Type %temp% to open the temp folder and press Enter.
3. Press CTRL + A to select all junk/temporary files.
4. Right-click and select Delete.
   

As mentioned earlier, a runtime error is often colloquially referred to as a ‘bug.’ Microsoft regularly issues security patches and system updates to resolve issues that may be related to Access database error 3270, the ‘property not found’ issue.

Updating Windows 10 or any other version of Windows operating system is quite simple, go through the following steps:

1. Press+ Q and type Settings.
2. Move to Update & Security section, as below.
3. Click on Windows Update.
4. Check for available updates by clicking on Check for Updates button.
5. Initiate the download and install the updates
   

Virus and malware attacks are quite common in Windows OS. These malicious intruders affect the overall working of the system and apps installed. To counter these attacks, it is wise to opt for top antivirus software and prevent any such intrusions.

Fortunately, Windows 10 includes the Windows Defender program at no additional cost. You can perform a quick system scan to detect viruses and identify malicious content by following these steps:

1. Press + Q and type Settings.
2. Move to the Security section and click on Windows Defender Security Center.
3. Click on the Shield icon, as below.
4. Start the quick system scan by clicking on the Quick Scan button.
   

Note: Run Advanced scan, as shown above, in case if the Quick Scan fails and the issue persists.

If you’ve exhausted all the methods mentioned above and none of them have proven effective, it’s possible that the issue is inherent to the application itself, such as Microsoft Access 2016 (or any other version in use).
Try uninstalling MS Access 2016 and then, re-install the application.

1. Press+ Q and type Control Panel.
2. Click on Programs and Features.
3. Locate Microsoft Access 2016 and other associated programs or application.
4. Right-click and select Uninstall.
5. Done.

To reinstall Microsoft Access 2016 or a later version on your system, ensure you have the Office 2016 or later installer package ready. Double-click the executable setup file to initiate the installation process. Before proceeding, you can customize the installation package by selecting the option to install Microsoft Access 2016 alone, accessible by clicking the ‘Customize’ button as shown below.

While code errors leading to MS Access 2016 error messages like ‘Property Not Found’ can often be rectified, if initial attempts prove ineffective, consider implementing the methods outlined above to diagnose, trace, and resolve the Access database error 3270 issue.

While the methods provided above can assist in addressing the ‘property not found’ issue in MS Access 2016 and other versions, there are situations where Access Database files become corrupted or damaged due to factors like incomplete file transfers, hard drive corruption, virus attacks, improper Access application shutdowns, sudden power outages, and more.

Microsoft tools often lack a robust and efficient native solution to combat file corruption and damage. In critical scenarios involving MS Access Database files (MDB and ACCDB) corruption, Access Database Repair software emerges as the comprehensive solution to address all issues related to MS Access 2016 and other versions.

Kernel for Access Database Repair offers extensive compatibility with various versions of MS Access, spanning from Access 95 to 2016. This wide-ranging support ensures that Access Database file repair and recovery is accessible to all users, regardless of the version of the Windows operating system they are using.

Wrapping up

The ‘property not found’ issue in MS Access 2016 can have various underlying reasons. It’s advisable to scrutinize the code for errors and mistakes, particularly when the error occurs immediately upon code execution. In other cases, the code may execute, but the error message appears upon clicking the ‘Ok’ button within the prompt. If you’re seeking methods to repair a corrupt Microsoft Access database or learn how to open MDB files for free, consider downloading and evaluating the trial version of Kernel for Access Database Repair. It offers a comprehensive solution for all MS Access issues.