Access database repair when you come across “Invalid argument” error message

While working on Microsoft Access, when you try to run an append query, run a make-table query, import data in a large MS Access database file, you might receive the following error message:

“Invalid argument.”
Cause of the Error
This error message appears when the size of the Access database file approaches the 2 GB size limitation.

Resolution of the Error
In order to resolve this issue, you need to reduce the size of the Access database file (MDB file). In order to do so, you can use one of the following solutions:

Compact Access database file

You can minimize the file size of Access database by running the Compact and Repair Database utility in MS Access. However, it is important to note that if you wish to compact a shared Access database file which is located on the server or in a shared folder, you must ensure that no other user on the network has opened the Access database file and you must have exclusive utilization of the Access database file.

Split MDF database file

plitting the Access database file into several smaller parts might also help you get rid of this issue. If the access repair database file comprises of modules with a lot of code, you can consider using library databases file for storing the code. You can also consider using Database Splitter Wizard in order to divide your single Access database file into two Access database files.

However, if this doesn’t resolve this error, it’s quite possible that your Access database file is corrupt and so to repair it use Access database repair tool. The Access Repair tool supports all versions of MS Access.

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