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MS Access 2003: Access does not recognize table changes to linked tables

This MSAccess tutorial explains how to get Access to recognize table changes in linked tables in Access 2003 (with screenshots and step-by-step instructions).

Question: In Microsoft Access 2003/XP/2000/97 how come when I can the configuration of a table that is linked, Access does not recognize these changes automatically?

Answer: In order for Access to recognize table changes to a linked table, you must refresh the link.

To do this, under the Tools menu, select "Database Utilities" and then "Linked Table Manager."

Microsoft Access

A Linked Table Manager window should appear as follows:

Microsoft Access

Select the tables that you wish to refresh the links for. In this example, we've selected the Employees table. Click on the OK button.

Microsoft Access

You should get a message indicating that the linked tables were successfully refreshed. Now, any changes to the linked table should be reflected in your database.