ACC: Errors When RunSQL Action Argument Exceeds 256 Characters

• Microsoft Access versions 1.0, 1.1, 2.0

SYMPTOMS

Novice: Requires knowledge of the user interface on single-user computers.

The RunSQL macro action argument can accept up to 256 characters. However, you receive no error message that tells you when you have exceeded this limit. Instead, the SQL string is truncated at 256 characters and Microsoft Access attempts to parse the first 256 characters. This can cause a variety of error messages, including:

• Syntax error in WITH OWNERACCESS OPTION declaration.
• Syntax error in query expression.
• Missing semicolon (;) at end of SQL statement.
• Syntax error in FROM clause.

CAUSE

Note that these errors occur when you manually enter a SQL string with more than 256 characters. If you paste a string with more than 256 characters, Microsoft Access will notify you that you have exceeded the limit with the following error message:

   Text would be too long; change canceled.

STATUS

This behavior no longer occurs in Microsoft Access version 7.0.

RESOLUTION

Paste in the string to confirm the error, and then shorten the SQL string to less than 256 characters.