Nothing happens or an hourglass appears when multiple users try to open an Access database (.mdb) by using Windows Explorer or a shortcut

When multiple users try to use Windows Explorer or a shortcut to open a Microsoft Access database that has already been opened by a user, the users experience one of the following symptoms:

• Nothing occurs.
• An hourglass appears for several seconds, and then nothing occurs.

To work around this problem, use one of the following methods.

Method 1: Modify the shortcut

In the target of the shortcut, include the path of MSAccess.exe.

Method 2: Open the database in Access

Follow these steps:

1. Start Microsoft Access.
2. Open the database.

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