Fix MS Access Error “ID is not an index in this table”

While attempting to open your Access Database, if you encounter an error message that reads: “ID is not an index in this table”, it indicates that your Access Database file has become corrupt. Due to this corruption error, the file becomes inaccessible. This calls for an effective recovery process.

Error description – id is not an index in this table

After you encounter the MS Access 3800 error message, the first step you must have taken is the Compact and Repair Access Database. Or, you may have attempted to create a new database and then imported tables, reports, queries, and forms from the inaccessible Access database.

However, none were helpful since while trying to import Access DB components to the new database, the same error message “ID is not an index in this table” surfaced in Microsoft Access 2007, 2010, 2013, and 2016. The import procedure stops after that.

The resolution for this error message would be to attempt to open the corrupted Access database and then export every object of the corrupted database to the new Access database manually. With the export tools available in the Ribbon bar and with Access as the export option, you can successfully resolve this issue. To do so, you will have to build a new blank Access database initially.

The manual export procedure works; however, if there are a large number of objects in the MS Access DB file, say about 70-80, you need to repeat the export procedure over and over again. Though this procedure is helpful, however, it does not seem practical since it consumes a lot of time and effort to accomplish the task.

Causes of MS Access “id is not an index in this table” error

Here are a few things that you need to know about Access database error message – “ID is not an index in this table”:

• The database is shared over a network in a multi-user environment. A copy of the database might be accessed by 4 to 5 users on an average, at a single time.
• The error message makes reference to the Visual Basic (VB) code. However, it is quite impossible to access the VB editor to check the real cause of the interruption.
• Different versions of the application (Access Database) are used over the network by different users. There are systems running Access 2007 and systems that are running Access 2010. They may be responsible for Access database corruption.

How to Repair your corrupt Access Database File

Check the best solutions to fix the error:

By Exporting Database Objects

• Create a New blank database
• Manually export each database object from old to new DB
• Recreate the required relationships between tables in the database

Note: If your database is large and complicated then, it could be time-consuming to import the DB objects manually. In this case, you can go with the next solution.

By using Access Repair Software

To get this issue resolved while saving and maintaining the integrity of the Access database contents, try employing Access Database Repair software.

Listed below are the essential features of this tool:

• Repairs corrupt or damaged Access database files.
• Supports .MDB and .ACCDB file formats.
• Restores index, queries, tables, and relations.
• Supports calculated data types and linked tables.
• Retrieves information from password encrypted modules and forms.
• Restores deleted records to the new database.
• Retains original files while a new file is created to restore the recovered data.
• Compatible with MS Access 2019, 2016, 2013, 2010, 2007, 2003, 2002 & 2000.
• Compatible with Windows 10 and lower versions.

Watch the full video to repair ‘id’ is not an index error using Stellar Repair for Access

Steps to Repair corrupted database

Let’s look at how we can fix the Access Database error: “ID is not an index in this table” using this software:

1. Download Stellar Repair for Access tool

2. Select the database by using ‘Browse’ options or provide the drive name from where the files have to be selected (for example, C:\)

3. Once you select the file, the tool will display the selected file URL in the field. Optionally, you can select to scan for records that are deleted by checking the option ‘Scan for Deleted Records‘.

4. Once all the options are selected, click the Repair button to begin the database repair process.

5. The tool will begin the repair process, and the progress bar is displayed on the tool panel.
6. Once the repair is completed, a message box which reads: ‘Repairing of selected database completed’ will appear. Click OK.

7. You can preview the contents of the selected database. You can select single or multiple items for recovery.

8. Once the repair procedure is completed, the tool will ask for a storage location for you to save the recovered items. You can select to store data at the same location where the original ACCDB file is located or in a new folder by providing an accurate location.

9. Click OK to complete the procedure to resolve the error message.

Since databases are sensitive, they always remain at the risk of data loss. Minimal corruption in the database files can interrupt the smooth functioning of an organization. It is always recommended to plan a recovery strategy in advance to avoid adverse circumstances. With the help of Stellar Repair for Access software, the Access database is repaired, and you have access to all its contents.

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