Setting up trust for access applications to be used on runtime target systems

Stephan Aal 0 Reputation points
2025-07-27T13:01:56.87+00:00

How do I set up trust for an access application that is going to be distributed to different users. At the moent runtime users can't use my application because there is no way of setting it up as a trusted application on their system.

Microsoft 365 and Office | Access | For business | Windows
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  1. Duane Hookom 26,435 Reputation points Volunteer Moderator
    2025-07-27T15:12:17.0133333+00:00

    I had used a vbscript file that altered setting in the USER registry. Typically, users have the right to update USER settings. The vbscript file was part of a batch file that altered the registry, created the application directory, copied the latest app file, and then opened it. The below code is quite old and matched earlier versions of MS Office.

    I wasn't allowed to post the code but it can be found at Tek-Tips FAQ. The [color] tags on the page aren't rendering correctly so you would need to delete all of them. Also, the "SNOW" referred to a standard operating system used at a previous client.


  2. DBG 11,456 Reputation points Volunteer Moderator
    2025-07-27T15:36:46.4366667+00:00

    Just curious, do your users not get a warning dialog box about your app with a button to open it or cancel? What do they actually see? Does the app just quits or do they get a warning box with just an ok button on it?

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  3. TiNo-T 4,995 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator
    2025-07-28T00:01:23.61+00:00

    Dear @Stephan Aal

    Thank you so much for contacting Microsoft Q&A Forum. 

    Based on your description, it sounds like your Microsoft Access application using the Access Runtime, you need to ensure the application is located in a trusted location. Since runtime users can't access the Trust Center UI, this must be done via the Windows Registry. Access Runtime disables macros and VBA unless the database is in a trusted location. Without this, users will see security warnings, or the application may not function properly. Therefore, I recommend that you should manually or programmatically add a trusted location using the Windows Registry.  

    Kindly notes:  

    • Use the appropriate registry path depending on the version of Office installed. 
    • Machine-Wide Setup (Optional): if you want this to apply to all users on a machine, use HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE instead of HKEY_CURRENT_USER. 

    Also, I have found several scenarios that have partially similar to your case and you can consult in there:

    I hope this information can help you to finish this work. 

    Wish you a pleasant day!


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