How to Fix Can't Find Project or Library in Excel [2024 Update]

If you're encountering the can't find project or library error in Excel, here are some troubleshooting steps to fix the issue and ensure smooth functionality.

The stubborn can't find project or library Excel error can pose a significant challenge for Excel users seeking a smooth spreadsheet experience. This error, triggered by issues like missing references and compatibility conflicts, can hinder the efficient operation of Excel's powerful features. In this article, we'll look at the causes of this error, plus some fixes you can use. The fixes apply when dealing with macro security settings or tackling corrupted installations. Let's jump right in!

Fix 1. Repair Corrupted Excel with Document Repair Software

If you've encountered the frustrating can't find project or library error in Excel, chances are your Excel files may be corrupted. Using a reliable document repair tool like EaseUS Fixo Document Repair can be a lifesaver. This software is designed to address corrupted Excel files, providing a powerful and dependable solution to resolve the error and repair your files.

EaseUS Fixo Document Repair has advanced features, making it a go-to choice for repairing corrupted Excel files. Whether your files were damaged due to unexpected system shutdowns, power outages, or other unforeseen issues, this tool is designed to handle such situations efficiently, ensuring a successful repair process. Common Excel issues like Excel hyperlinks not working, Excel cannot open the file, run time error in Excel and more.

Here are some steps to follow when using this Excel repair tool to fix can't find project or library Excel. 

✨Step 1.  Download, install, and launch EaseUS Fixo Document Repair

You can download this repair tool with the download button we gave you or other official ways. After the installation, you can double-click the Fixo icon to launch it. Click "File Repair" > "Add Files" to select and repair damaged Word, Excel, PDF, and other documents.

✨Step 2. Repair corrupted documents now

After adding the documents, you can click "Repair" to fix a document specifically or select "Repair All" to repair the whole files in the list altogether.

✨Step 3. Preview and save repaired documents

Now, the files are ready to be saved. You can also click the eye icon to preview the documents. After clicking "Save All", select "View Repaired" in the pop-up window to locate these repaired files.

If you found this guide helpful in resolving the error in Excel, consider sharing it with others facing similar issues. 

Fix 2. Remove or Add A Preference to A Library

To address the Excel can't find project or library error in MS Access, another effective solution involves modifying library references. 

Here are some quick steps to follow:

Step 1. Open MS Access on your computer and access the Database/Application displaying the error.

Step 2. Simultaneously press Alt + F11 to open the VBA editor window.

Step 3. Go to the menu bar at the top, and select "Tools," and choose "Preferences" from the dropdown menu.

Step 4. In the dialog box, uncheck the "Missing: Microsoft Access Object" option.

Step 5. Lastly, confirm your changes by clicking "OK."

After making these adjustments, restart MS Access and check whether the error persists.

Fix 3. Utilize Un-Register or Re-Register the Library

If the problem persists despite previous attempts, you can choose to re-register or unregister the library file to rectify the error. Begin by understanding how to re-register a library file:

Step 1. Click on the "Windows + R" keys and type Regsvr32.exe.

Step 2. Select "Enter" and input the full path of the missing library file (such as, "regsvr32 "c:\program files\common files\microsoft shared\dao\dao360.dll").

In case re-registering doesn't resolve the error, you can unregister the library file. To do this, you can replace "Regsvr32.exe" with "regsvr32 -u" and once again provide the path of the library. You should successfully resolve the error by unregistering the library file, enabling uninterrupted work on your MS Access database.

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Fix 4. Register A Library File

Microsoft Access and Microsoft Excel may display a can't find project or library error in various instances.  Resolving this issue involves utilizing the Command Prompt to register a project or library file. This method is also workable when Excel opening blank document. Follow the steps below to fix the problem effectively:

For users on Windows 8 or later versions:

Step 1. Access the search bar and type Command Prompt.

Step 2. Right-click on the result and choose "Run as administrator." 

Alternatively, check this option in the Start menu if you're using Windows 7 or earlier.

Step 3. After opening the Administrator Command Prompt window, enter the following command:

REGSVR32 "C:\Program Files\Blackbaud\The Raisers Edge 7\DLL\RE7Outlook.dll"

Step 4. Lastly, hit ENTER on your keyboard to execute the command.

By following these steps and registering the specified library file using the Command Prompt, you should eliminate the "can't find project or library" error.

Knowledge Center: Why I Can't Find Project or Library in Excel

There are several reasons why you can't find a project or library in Excel. These include:

• Missing Reference in VBA: This error in Excel may be due to a missing reference in the Visual Basic for Applications (VBA) editor. This can happen if the code relies on an external library or object incorrectly referenced.
• Corrupted Excel installation: A corrupted installation of Microsoft Excel can also result in the "can't find project or library" error. If essential files or components are damaged, it may affect the proper functioning of the VBA editor and prevent it from locating the necessary projects or libraries.
• Compatibility issues: Another possible cause is incompatibility between different versions of Excel. If the code was developed on a different version or architecture, Excel may struggle to find the referenced projects or libraries.
• Unregistered DLL files: Excel may have problems finding the associated projects or libraries. This happens if the required DLL files are missing, outdated, or not correctly registered with the operating system.

Cannot Find Project or Library Excel FAQs

Take a look at these questions and answers about the can't find project or library Excel error.

1. What does can't find project or library mean in Excel?

This error mainly occurs when there are multiple functions sharing the same name or when attempting to utilize a sub/function declared in an external file ("Project" > "References"), but for some reason, that specific file cannot be located.

2. Why is my Excel library not registered?

The "Library Not Registered" error may stem from outdated or missing software components, such as ActiveX controls or DLL files. These components are crucial for Excel's proper functioning, and if they are outdated or absent, it can trigger this error.

3. How do I enable library in Excel?

To enable library in Excel, follow these steps:

Step 1. Open the "Visual Basic Editor" in Excel ( + )

Step 2. Go to the "Menu Bar" and click on "Tools."

Step 3. Choose "References…" (the References – VBAProject dialog box will appear).

Step 4. Select the desired libraries from the list.

Step 5. Click "OK" to confirm your selections.

Conclusion 

In conclusion, encountering the "can't find project or library" error in Excel can be a frustrating experience, but understanding the potential causes can pave the way for effective solutions. Addressing issues such as missing references in VBA, adjusting macro security settings, ensuring compatibility, fixing a corrupted Excel installation, and verifying the status of DLL files are key steps to resolve this error.

One such tool worth considering is EaseUS Fixo Document Repair. This software has proven effective in repairing corrupted or damaged Excel files, and it might provide a comprehensive solution to the issues causing the error.