Access Database Connection - Unable to Connect, File already in Use

[DemingPDCA]

Anyone seen anything like this before when trying to get PowerBI to connect to an access database? "We encountered an error while trying to connect. Details: "Count note use"; file already in use"

[DemingPDCA]

Is there a good way to query that data if that file is almost always in use?

[lbendlin]

A better way would be to have the data in a proper database, not something that is file based.

[londonmr66]

I am having this same issue with an Access database that is a file on a server. Sometimes it works sometimes it does not. Can you expand on your comment regarding a "proper database". What do you mean by not file based as we typically only use Access databases. Thanks

[lbendlin]

Access was originally a single user database. Data is stored in an .accdb file  .  Then they added a lock file option that allows multiple users to work on the same file - in a limited manner.  

"Proper" databases are designed to handle multiple connections by default, not through some quirky workarounds.

[londonmr66]

Ok so it sounds like you are suggesting using something other than Access. What would you use and would the data in my Access database be transferable? I appreciate your advice. Thanks

[lbendlin]

Anything with SQL in its name should do.  Data should be fully transferable, but expect some configuration efforts.

[DemingPDCA]

Yeah - that's what I was afraid of :-\... Unforunately this is one of these old old access databases built years ago that everyone is afraid to touch 🙂 Thanks for your help!

[lbendlin · Accepted solution]

You have the access database open, and the lock file is confused.  Either close Access or reset the lock file.