Join Access MVPs ‘Access Talk’ on Discord

Loudspeaker

A Discord server called Access Talk, created in March 2024, offers a welcoming online space for Microsoft Access users to connect, share knowledge, and support one another. Created by a group of Access MVPs and MVP Alums including Jim Dettman & Doug Yudovich, this server aims to foster a friendly community where members can ask questions, exchange tips, and collaborate in a low-pressure environment.

Currently, the server is moderated by a dedicated team of experienced members: Ade Bell, Crystal Long, Maria Barnes, George Hepworth, Jim Dettman, and Doug Yudovich, who help maintain a supportive and organized environment for all participants.

Although currently experiencing modest activity, Access Talk provides various text and voice channels designed to keep conversations organized and accessible. Users can join discussions, participate in voice chats, and even share screens, leveraging Discord’s versatile platform to enhance communication among Access enthusiasts.
 
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Microsoft Access Wizards Broken

Software Bug

I was part of a forum discussion where it was shared that:

I discussed this with the Access team a few weeks ago and it is the result of some unrelated security work that has been implemented across the whole of Office

This affects any feature that makes use of the wizard including MVFs and lookup fields at table level

 
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Microsoft Access Roadmap Items Delayed!

Roadmap with markers

I hate to be the barer of bad news, yet again, but it appears I am the first person to report on the recent updates made by the Access Dev Team to their official Roadmap.

If you perused the Microsoft Access Roadmap today (June 26th, 2025) you will have noticed that 2 upcoming items (the only items on the Roadmap under development) have been postponed by 2-3 months.
 
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Determine The Size of Access Attachments

Helping out in a Forum question in which the Access user was asking how we could determine the file size of files stored as Attachments?

Now, overlooking the entire issue of why one should never use the Attachment data type:

Adding Attachments to an Access Database
Why You Should Avoid Using Attachment Data Type in Microsoft Access The Attachment data type, introduced in Access 2007, allows users to insert files directly into databases. However, this feature comes with significant drawbacks: Database Bloat Using Attachment fields causes rapid database size increase. Each attached file adds its full size to the database, quickly turning a small database into a large one. Performance Impact Large databases resulting from Attachment fields can negatively affect performance, slowing down initial load times, queries and overall operations. Complex Interaction Programmatically managing Attachment fields requires specialized code, making it challenging to insert, extract, or…

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I know many do and perhaps this solution may help others out there.

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Microsoft Answers Is Being Retired

Did you see the new heading banner that appears when you go and access the (Microsoft) Access (Database) forum on Microsoft Answers?

Microsoft 365 and Office forum Moving to Microsoft Q&A

We are excited to announce that soon, the Microsoft 365 and Office forum will be available exclusively Microsoft Q&A. This change will help us provide a more streamlined and efficient experience for all your questions and discussions.

Starting July 16, you will no longer be able to create new questions here in the Microsoft Support Community. However, you can continue to participate in ongoing discussions and create new questions on Microsoft Q&A. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.

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No Labels Rendering/Displaying on Microsoft Access Command Buttons

Software Bug

This is a short post to advise you that there is a new bug affecting Microsoft Access where some or all command buttons may not display their labels and some also indicating images don’t render either!

Multiple forum threads have already reported this issue across various Access communities impacting Version 2506. Below are some of the specific build no. some users have mentioned as impacted by this issue:

  • 18925.20022
  • 18925.20064
  • 18925.20076
  • 18827.20164

 
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Windows 11 Where Are My Shortcut Labels???

So, not only was Microsoft kind enough to cram Windows 11 down my throat forcibly without my consent last night

Microsoft - No Respect!
For quite some time now, my PC has been persistently nagging me to upgrade to Windows 11. Despite the constant reminders and prompts, I have always firmly refused the installation and deliberately delayed it whenever possible. I preferred to stick with my current setup, comfortable with how things were running and unwilling to make the switch presently. So, imagine my surprise and frustration when I woke up this morning only to find that my laptop had upgraded itself to Windows 11 overnight—without any explicit permission or confirmation from me. This was completely unexpected and frankly, quite unsettling. I had made…

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but this was my desktop this morning!
 
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