Access: Incorrect version registry key

  • Article
  • Applies to:
    Access 2010, Access 2013, Microsoft Office Access 2007

Symptoms

In some instances Access may not detect/repair the registry key that specifies the configured version of Access. In this scenario, when double-clicking on the database file, you receive the following error:

Windows can't open this file: 

File: <DatabaseName>.accdb

To open this file, Windows needs to know what program you want to use to open it.

Cause

The following registry key contains an invalid default value of accdb_auto_file:

HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Access.Application\CurVer

Resolution

Modify the HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Access.Application\CurVer registry key to specify the appropriate default value for your version of Access.

Registry DISCLAIMER: Modifying REGISTRY settings incorrectly can cause serious problems that may prevent your computer from booting properly. Microsoft cannot guarantee that any problems resulting from the configuring of REGISTRY settings can be solved. Modifications of these settings are at your own risk.

  1. Click Start then Run, type regedit and then click OK.

  2. Navigate to HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Access.Application\CurVer.

  3. In the right pane, double-click on the default key.

  4. Change the Value data from accdb_auto_file to the appropriate Access.Application item below based on your version of Access:

    Access 2007 - Access.Application.12

    Access 2010 - Access.Application.14

    Access 2013 - Access.Application.15