The error “ODBC call failed” (error code 3146) in MS Access occurs while connecting data sources to the Access database using ODBC protocol. This error can be the result of ODBC connection failure due to issues with the ODBC driver and DSN (Data Source Name). However, many other reasons can lead to this error, such as:
- Damaged data source file
- Compatibility issue between Access application and ODBC driver
- Network issues
- Incorrect data source configuration
- ODBC driver installation is incomplete
- Data source name is not defined
- Trying to use invalid credentials of ODBC
- Access database is corrupted
- Issue with the VBA code
In this article, we will see how to fix the “ODBC call failed” error in MS Access.
Solutions to Resolve MS Access Error “ODBC Call Failed”
You can encounter the ‘ODBC call failed’ error when trying to define the data source name via VBA code. This happens when there is an issue with the query you are using to pass the connection string to define the DSN. To fix this, you can check your VBA code and correct the errors (if any). If the issue persists, then follow the below troubleshooting solutions.
Solution 1: Check and Change the ODBC Credentials
The ODBC call failed error in MS Access can appear if the incorrect ODBC credentials prevent the Access application from authenticating the data source name. You can review and correct the ODBC credentials.
Solution 2: Check the ODBC Connection Database Setup
The ‘ODBC call failed’ error can occur due to damaged DSN file or incorrect DSN name configuration while using ODBC protocol. It usually appears if the ODBC connection database is not configured correctly. You can check the ODBC connection database configuration or try to recreate the DSN file. Also, make sure the ODBC driver you are using is compatible with your Access application version. If not, then install a compatible ODBC driver.
Solution 3: Check the Pooling Settings
Sometimes, ODBC connection can fail due to incorrect Access Pooling settings. Make sure the connection pooling option in the ODBC data source administrator is enabled. If not, then enable it using the below steps:
- Open the Control Panel.
- Double-click on the Administrative Tools option.
- Search for the ODBC Data Sources and double-click on it. The ODBC Data Source Administrator window is displayed.
- Click on the option labeled “Connection Pooling” and check whether the “Enable ODBC connection Pooling PerfMon counters for troubleshooting” is enabled. If not, then enable it.
- Click OK.
Solution 4: Use Tracing Logs
You can use the ODBC tracing logs (if the Trace Log option is enabled) to identify the cause of the error and then troubleshoot it. The tracing logs contain the details of all the calls to the ODBC driver. To view and use the Trace log, open the ODBC Data Source Administrator and then click on the Tracing option.
Solution 5: Check the Network Settings
Incorrect network configuration can disturb the connection between MS Access and the external data source, leading to the ‘ODBC call failed’ error. You can verify the network-related configuration using the netstat-n-a command in your Command Prompt window. It will display the network information, such as port numbers, TCP, IP address, etc. You can also reconfigure the network settings.
Method 6: Repair your Access Database
Corruption in the database is another reason behind the “ODBC call failed” error. If you suspect the error has occurred due to corrupted database file objects, then you can use the in-built utility in Access – Compact and Repair. This tool compacts and repairs the .ACCDB/.MDB files. Before using this utility, create a database backup and ensure that you have the necessary file permissions to the database file.
The “Compact and Repair” tool may fail to fix the complex issues in the database. If your file is severely corrupted, you can use an advanced Access database repair tool, like Stellar Repair for Access. This tool can repair both ACCDB and MDB files. It can recover queries, macros, tables, forms, reports, and other objects from the damaged file quickly. You can download the demo version of the tool to check its functionality. The demo version lets you scan the corrupted database file and preview repaired tables, macros, and other components.
Conclusion
You can follow the troubleshooting solutions given in this article to fix the ODBC call failed error in MS Access. If the error occurred due to corruption in the database file, then the optimal solution is to use a reliable Access database repair tool, such as Stellar Repair for Access. It efficiently repairs the corrupt database file and recovers all the data from it. The tool is compatible with all Windows editions, including Windows 10 and 11.