Search Bluebook IT Support Website

How to solve missing MSCAL.OCX reference in Microsoft Access 2010

Posted on | By TNGardiner

On opening a database that references Microsoft’s ActiveX Calendar Control file (mscal.ocx) in Microsoft Access 2010, the following error message is displayed:

“Your Microsoft Access database or project contains a missing or broken reference to the file ‘MSCAL.OCX’ version 7.0”

Clicking on the ‘OK’ button allows the database to open, however subsequent navigation to other forms also invokes the same error message.

1. Resolution

To temporarily resolve this problem follow the steps outlined below.
However note, that the solution specified is a work-around for the above problem. Microsoft has stated that the Calendar control feature is deprecated in Access 2010 and has suggested a number of options for replacing it. See the link referenced at the bottom of this page for more details.

  
2. Get the missing MSCAL.OCX file

Locate the missing MSCAL.OCX file from an Office 2007 installation.
This file can be found in the %Program Files%\Microsoft Office\Office12 directory.

(Within our network the file can be found at Z:\Tools\Office2010x64)
3. Copy

Copy the file to the %SystemRoot%\SysWow64 directory of the computer where the Access 2010 installation exist.
4. Register the calendar control tool (.OCX file)

I. Click on the Windows Start menu and select ‘Run’
II. In the Run command window enter: regsvr32 %SystemRoot%\syswow64\mscal.ocx
III. Select OK to execute the command

  
5. Accept the registration confirmation message

Select OK to accept the displayed message confirming that the file was registered successfully.

  
6. Test

Restart Access 2010 so that the Calendar Control file reference can be recognised.

Conclusion

Note from msdn.microsoft.com:
Microsoft Access has included a Calendar control since it first added support for ActiveX controls, in Access 2.0. The calendar control, MSCAL.OCX, is not included with Access 2010. In addition, if you attempt to open a form that includes the control, you will receive the following error: “Your Microsoft Office Access database or project contains a missing or broken reference to the file ꞌMSCAL.OCXꞌ.”

Category: Office