ODBC Connection Failed – Fix Access Database Error 3151

What is ODBC Call Failed?

When working with the VBA code in MS Access, if you face issues with the connection strings, it is the ODBC Error. Using, Open Database Connectivity Protocol helps join an Access database to an external source. For example: MS SQL Server. It is the universal connectivity standard to various DBMS. This Access Database Error 3151 generally arises when you perform changes in the SQL Server and other linked database tables. Various other underlying reasons may be possible for this.

Reasons Why MS Access ODBC Connection Failed

The main factors why Microsoft Access ODBC Error arises are:

• Misconfigured, missing, or incorrect Data Source Name configuration
• Outdated or missing ODBC drivers
• The security settings and necessary permissions are lacking on the local machine and the external DS
• Issues with the network due to unknown interruptions or firewall settings
• Damaged or corrupted .mdb and .accdb files are also a primary cause.

How to Resolve the ODBC Call Failed Error?

There are some manual troubleshooting ways to help eliminate the ODBC connection 3151 error. Alternatively, if it doesn’t work and you find problems with the Access database, a professional tool is given for the same.

Free Fix Access Error 3151- ODBC Connection Failed

Follow the different ways given below to completely fix the issue manually:

Way 1: Validate ODBC Login Credentials

1. Start MS Access Database on the PC and move to External Data from the Ribbon.
2. Then, click ODBC Database from its options, and a Get External Data window opens.
3. Within the open window, choose Link to the data source by creating a linked table option.
4. Further, a Select Data Source dialog box appears. Here, opt for Machine Data Source and then New.
5. Afterward, the Create New Data Source dialog appears. Within it, click on SQL Server >> Next >> Finish.
6. In another window, check the ODBC credentials and finally, click Next.

If this helps resolve the error, then you are good to work; if not, move to the next.

Way 2: Activate Named Pipes Protocol

1. Open the Control Panel on the system and then access Administrative Tools.
2. Browse to Local Security Policy, double-click it, and choose Security Settings.
3. After that, move to Local Policies and open the Security Options.
4. Search Network access: Named Pipes that can be accessed anonymously, right-click it and choose Enable.

Is your error gone now? If not, try the next way given.

Way 3: Check 3151 ODBC Connection Failed

1. Simply, open Command Prompt and type netstat -n –a.
2. Press Enter to run it, and you will get all the TCP, IP, Address, Port, and all other details.

Way 4: Activate Tracing Features

1. Sign into the Local Administrator Group and under the Tools, press ODBC Data Source Administrator.
2. Then, choose Tracing >> Machine-Wide Tracing for all identities checkbox.
3. Further, remove the check from the return to per-user tracing, and finally, press Apply.

Way 5: Inspect ODBC DSN Settings

1. First, install the relevant ODBC Driver on the PC containing the data source.
2. Next, define the DSN settings by:
• ODBC Data Source Administrator or
• Connection String in VBA

If you are still stuck with the ODBC call failed issue, then try the last manual way possible.

Way 6: Access ODBC Connection Failed: Compact & Repair Database

1. Start Microsoft Access Database and navigate to the File tab.
2. Within Info, click on Compact & Repair Database.
3. In the end, a copy of the repaired Access database is generated at the same destination.

It doesn’t accurately repair Access Database files. So, we need a more expert solution.

These were some general ways in which you can resolve the issue. However, if it hasn’t gone until now, try:

• Resetting the VBA code
• Checking Firewall and Antivirus Settings, if needed, disable them

Shortcomings of the Manual Method

• Since free, these methods do not provide database security.
• It is very difficult to implement the steps for non-technical users.
• There is no accurate Access database recovery solution.
• The major defaults with the error cannot be handled completely.

Professionally Handle 3151 ODBC Connection Failed

To manage Access database files in an enhanced manner, use the SysInfo Access Database Recovery Tool. It is one of the best software programs to handle healthy and corrupt MDB and ACCDB files. The tool allows smooth recovery of the entire data from the Access database, such as deleted records, tables, indexes, and much more.

Additionally, its simple GUI supports all MS Access versions and is beneficial for all new and expert users. Moreover, the software has several recovery modes and a preview feature for an easy user experience. Thus, it is a complete solution to handle all the database files and get them back original state without any losses.

Furthermore, if your MS Access ODBC connection failed, do not worry, and follow the tool’s steps to get your database.

Guide to Access the Database

1. Download and run the MS Access Recovery Software. Press Open.
2. Then, search for and add the MDB/ACCDB files into the software.
3. Also, select the recovery mode to remove the error and click OK.
4. Further, preview records and tables of the Access database.
5. Select those you need to recover and press Save. The download begins.

Conclusion

Utilizing the ODBC connection within MS Access can often result in the ODBC connection failed error. However, you need not worry if you know its exact cause. In this blog, we studied the major causes for this error and ways to fix it accordingly. Furthermore, to fix the Access database files, use the expert tool for the best results.

Frequently Asked Questions

About The Author:

Suman Rawat

Suman Rawat is a technical content writer and expert in the fields of email migration, data recovery, and email backup. Her passion for helping people has led her to resolve many user queries related to data conversion and cloud backup.