Fix Microsoft.ACE.OLEDB.12.0 Provider Error in VB.NET
(Access Database Engine Solution)
Introduction
Have you encountered the dreaded Microsoft.ACE.OLEDB.12.0 provider is not registered on the local machine error while running your VB.NET application? This issue arises when your system lacks the Access Database Engine, which is required to interact with Microsoft Access databases.
If you rely on MS Access (.mdb / .accdb) databases in your application, this missing dependency can prevent your program from functioning correctly—especially on Windows systems without Microsoft Office installed.
Understanding the Error
This InvalidOperationException occurs when:
- Microsoft Access 2007/2010 is not installed or properly registered on the machine.
- The required Access Database Engine components are missing from the system.
- The application package did not include the appropriate database dependencies.
- The system is running a different architecture than the installed database driver (32-bit vs. 64-bit incompatibility).
Solution: Install the Microsoft Access Database Engine
To eliminate this error, you need to install the Microsoft Access Database Engine, which provides OLEDB support for Access databases—even if Microsoft Office is not installed.
Download the Required Files
- For 32-bit systems:
AccessDatabaseEngine.exe(25.6 MB) - For 64-bit systems:
AccessDatabaseEngine_x64.exe(28.1 MB)
These files are available in multiple languages, compatible with Windows environments, and provide full OLEDB support for both 32-bit and 64-bit applications.
Installation Guide
- Download the correct version from the official Microsoft website.
- Run the installer (double-click
AccessDatabaseEngine.exe). - Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the setup.
Configuration: Using the OLEDB Provider in VB.NET
Once installed, update your VB.NET connection string to use Microsoft.ACE.OLEDB.12.0:
Dim connectionString As String = "Provider=Microsoft.ACE.OLEDB.12.0;Data Source=C:\YourDatabase.accdb;Persist Security Info=False;"
Excel Database Compatibility
If you are working with Excel files, set the appropriate Extended Properties:
| File Type | Extended Properties |
|---|---|
| Excel 97-2003 Workbook (.xls) | "Excel 8.0" |
| Excel 2007-2010 Workbook (.xlsx) | "Excel 12.0 Xml" |
| Excel 2007-2010 Macro-enabled Workbook (.xlsm) | "Excel 12.0 Macro" |
| Excel 2007-2010 Binary Workbook (.xlsb) | "Excel 12.0" |
ODBC Configuration for Access & Excel
If using ODBC for database connections, use the correct driver format:
Dim accessConnectionString As String = "Driver={Microsoft Access Driver (*.mdb, *.accdb)};DBQ=C:\YourDatabase.accdb"
Dim excelConnectionString As String = "Driver={Microsoft Excel Driver (*.xls, *.xlsx, *.xlsm, *.xlsb)};DBQ=C:\YourSpreadsheet.xlsx"
How to Uninstall the Access Database Engine
To remove the Access Database Engine, follow these steps:
- Go to Control Panel → Programs & Features.
- Find Microsoft Access Database Engine 2010.
- Click Uninstall and follow the removal instructions.
- Manually delete
AccessDatabaseEngine.exeif needed.
Additional Notes
- This package contains components from Microsoft Office Suite Service Pack 1 (SP1).
- Supports file operations for Access, Excel, and SQL Server Integration.
- Ensure your application matches the correct driver version (32-bit vs. 64-bit compatibility).
Conclusion
By installing the Microsoft Access Database Engine, you eliminate the Microsoft.ACE.OLEDB.12.0 provider error in VB.NET applications without requiring Microsoft Office on the client’s machine. Use the correct OLEDB or ODBC drivers, validate your connection strings, and ensure compatibility with Windows 32-bit and 64-bit systems for a smooth development experience!
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