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Access - VB - DAO library looking in wrong folder

Greg Waymaster 0 Reputation points
2025-10-31T12:00:44.8666667+00:00

The VBE under Tools / References says that DAO 3.6 is available at C:\Program Files\Common Files\Microsoft Shared\DAO\dao360.dll However, there is no DAO folder in that location (and no dao360.dll). It is in the C:\Program Files (x86)\Common Files\Microsoft Shared\DAO. I can't get the library to go to the other location using browse. Who do I get the program to see or moving or update so I can add the DAO.

Microsoft 365 and Office | Access | Other | Windows

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  1. Dora-T 8,520 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator
    2025-10-31T14:54:21.0433333+00:00

    Hi @Greg Waymaster
    Thank you for reaching out to the Microsoft Q&A Forum. 

    I understand how confusing it can be when you’re unable to add or locate the Microsoft DAO 3.6 Object Library in Access. 

    To better understand your situation, could you please let us know which version of Microsoft Access you’re currently using and whether it’s the 32-bit or 64-bit edition? 

    Based on my research, if you’re using the 64-bit version of Access, please note that the Microsoft DAO 3.6 Object Library is a 32-bit component and can’t be loaded in 64-bit Office. 

    In this case, you might want to use the Microsoft Office 16.0 Access Database Engine Object Library (or 15.0 / 14.0 depending on your Office version). This library (ACE) is the modern replacement for DAO 3.6 and provides the same functionality while being fully compatible with 64-bit Access. 

    If I’ve misunderstood your situation, please feel free to clarify, and kindly share a screenshot of what you see when you click Browse in the References window (make sure to hide any personal information). 

    I look forward to hearing from you. 

    Note: Please follow the steps in our documentation to enable e-mail notifications if you want to receive the related email notification for this thread.

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