ICYMI: Resolution for EDExpress Database Engine Error Following Installation

After installing the EDExpress for Windows software (for 2023–24 or prior cycles), some users have reported receiving an error message when attempting to start the software. The error message states that “The ‘Microsoft.ACE.OLEDB.12.0’ provider is not registered on the local machine.”

Although the EDExpress installation process contains all drivers needed to run the software, this error message indicates there may have been an issue with the Microsoft Database Engine during the installation. Your PC must have the 32-bit version of the Microsoft Database Engine installed to run EDExpress.

To resolve this issue, you can either uninstall and re-install EDExpress, or download and install the free 32-bit version of the Microsoft Database Engine (AccessDatabaseEngine.exe) from Microsoft at https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=13255. If you are running EDExpress in a network environment, repeat this process on other PC workstations generating the same error message.

Note: You may have to uninstall a previous version of the 64-bit version of the Microsoft Database Engine from your PC before running the AccessDatabaseEngine.exe file to install the latest 32-bit version.

If you have any questions regarding this message or need additional assistance, contact CPS/SAIG Technical Support at 1-800-330-5947 or by email at CPSSAIG@ed.gov.

You can also post questions regarding EDExpress on FSATech. FSATech is an electronic mailing list for technical questions about Federal Student Aid systems, software, and mainframe products. For more information on subscribing to FSATech, go to https://listserv.ed.gov/cgi-bin/wa?SUBED1=FSATECH&A=1

Source:
Announcement: (EDESUITE-22-07) Resolution for EDExpress Database Engine Error Following Installation