Step-by-Step Guide to Resolve Access Database Loading DLL Error

While accessing ActiveX Data Objects to import an Access database from one application into another—using the query wizard, report wizard, and control wizard—you may encounter the run-time error 48: "Error in loading DLL." This error may also appear as "Object library not registered." It often occurs when the application fails to load the DLL file - a component of Windows operating system, which is required to run the applications smoothly. The reasons why DLL fails, are many. In this article, we will discuss the common causes that might be responsible for this error. We will also provide solutions to resolve this Access database loading error. In case your Access database is corrupted, it is suggested to use a powerful Access recovery software that can help resolve the issue within minimum time.

Causes for Access Database Loading DLL Error
This error 48 is directly related to DLL files. It can occur due to one or more of the following reasons:

• The DLL used by Access application fails to export its function properly. It usually occurs when Access fails to find the required entries of the function.
• The Access application you’re running is 64-bit, and you’re using the DLL file with 32-bit.
• You're using VBA code to link/import a library that contains the incorrect references.
• DLL file is corrupted or outdated.
• DLL file is not compiled or registered correctly.
• DLL file is not present at the path specified in the directory.
• Windows registry issues caused damage to the DLL file.
• Damaged Access installation.
• Registry keys may not exist. Methods to Resolve Access Database Loading DLL Error

Basis troubleshooting steps:

1. Make sure the DLL file is present and registered.
2. Check the compatibility of the DLL file. If you're using 64-bit Access, make sure the DLL file is also 64-bit.

Here are the advanced methods you can follow to resolve the Access database loading DLL error.

Method 1 - Register Dao360 and Msado15 DLL Files

As we all know, the Access application allows you to connect to other database files like MDF, using linked tables or external data sources. Such a database connection requires DAO/ADO libraries, which work with Dao360.dll and Msado15.dll. If, for any reason, these DLLs fail to load, it leads to the Error 48: error in loading DLL. To resolve this, you can re-register these DLL files by following these steps:

• Open the Run window and type the below command:

Regsvr32.exe "C:\Program Files\Common Files\Microsoft Shared\DAO\Dao360.dll

• Next, type the following command:

Regsvr32.exe "C:\Program Files\Common Files\system\ado\Msado15.dll"

• Click OK. These commands will re-register these Access-based DLL files

Method 2 - Repair and Clear the Registry

The Windows Registry logs every action that takes place in the system. When the DLL error 48 occurs, the Windows Registry gets updated simultaneously. Checking the Windows Registry can help you fix and clear the error. You can use the Windows Registry checker tool to scan the system registry for invalid entries.

Method 3 - Reinstall the Access Application

You can try reinstalling your Access application. This helps in replacing the corrupted or damaged program files, restoring missing or unregistered DLLs, and broken registry entries. But as you already know that DLLs are shared across multiple applications, it is recommended to first check Access' DLL before uninstalling. If you uninstall or install the Access application, which already shares its DLL, it can cause errors in associated applications.

What If the Access Database gets Corrupted due to DLL Issues?

The DLL error can crash your Access application and lead to database corruption. If the Access database is corrupted, damaged, or in an inconsistent state, then you can try importing the data from the affected database into a new database. The steps are as follows:

• In MS Access application, click the External Data option.
• Then, select the Import Access Database option.
• In the Get External Data - Access Database window, select the “Import tables, forms, reports, macros, and modules into the current database” option.

• Select the objects and VBA module from the database that you want to import into the new database, and then click OK.

This method will help you import all the selected objects from the affected database to a new database file. If it fails, then you can Compact and Repair the Access database. This removes the unutilized space and compacts the database, and then tries to repair it. Before using the Compact and Repair tool, make sure no other user is actively using the database file. This tool may not repair severely corrupted VBA modules and may fail to resolve complex corruption-based errors.

An Alternative Solution to Quickly Repair the Access Database

Alternatively, you can use Stellar Repair for Access - a professional database repair tool. It can help in resolving all types of complex corruption-based issues in Access database. It quickly repairs critically corrupted ACCDB files, MDF files, and split databases. Additionally, it performs recovery of corrupt VBA modules, like macros, indexes, queries, etc. The product is considered to be a life-saving utility for database administrators who couldn’t afford to lose their records by means of any corruption or database errors.

Conclusion

When the DLL fails to load with the error 48, it may crash your Access application's active window or you may experience repeated system crashes as the DLLs are shared libraries used to run multiple applications. If the sudden system crashes have corrupted the Access database files, then you can take the help of a professional Access repair tool, such as Stellar Repair for Access to repair them in a few minutes.