How to fix the Runtime Code 10974 Modifications to the database or project have invalidated the associated digital signature

Symptoms of Code 10974 - Modifications to the database or project have invalidated the associated digital signature

Runtime errors happen without warning. The error message can come up the screen anytime Microsoft Access is run. In fact, the error message or some other dialogue box can come up again and again if not addressed early on.

There may be instances of files deletion or new files appearing. Though this symptom is largely due to virus infection, it can be attributed as a symptom for runtime error, as virus infection is one of the causes for runtime error. User may also experience a sudden drop in internet connection speed, yet again, this is not always the case.

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Causes of Modifications to the database or project have invalidated the associated digital signature - Code 10974

During software design, programmers code anticipating the occurrence of errors. However, there are no perfect designs, as errors can be expected even with the best program design. Glitches can happen during runtime if a certain error is not experienced and addressed during design and testing.

Runtime errors are generally caused by incompatible programs running at the same time. It may also occur because of memory problem, a bad graphics driver or virus infection. Whatever the case may be, the problem must be resolved immediately to avoid further problems. Here are ways to remedy the error.

Repair Methods

Runtime errors may be annoying and persistent, but it is not totally hopeless, repairs are available. Here are ways to do it.

If a repair method works for you, please click the upvote button to the left of the answer, this will let other users know which repair method is currently working the best.

Please note: Neither ErrorVault.com nor it's writers claim responsibility for the results of the actions taken from employing any of the repair methods listed on this page - you complete these steps at your own risk.

Method 1 - Close Conflicting Programs

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When you get a runtime error, keep in mind that it is happening due to programs that are conflicting with each other. The first thing you can do to resolve the problem is to stop these conflicting programs.

• Open Task Manager by clicking Ctrl-Alt-Del at the same time. This will let you see the list of programs currently running.
• Go to the Processes tab and stop the programs one by one by highlighting each program and clicking the End Process buttom.
• You will need to observe if the error message will reoccur each time you stop a process.
• Once you get to identify which program is causing the error, you may go ahead with the next troubleshooting step, reinstalling the application.

Method 2 - Update / Reinstall Conflicting Programs

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Using Control Panel

• For Windows 7, click the Start Button, then click Control panel, then Uninstall a program
• For Windows 8, click the Start Button, then scroll down and click More Settings, then click Control panel > Uninstall a program.
• For Windows 10, just type Control Panel on the search box and click the result, then click Uninstall a program
• Once inside Programs and Features, click the problem program and click Update or Uninstall.
• If you chose to update, then you will just need to follow the prompt to complete the process, however if you chose to Uninstall, you will follow the prompt to uninstall and then re-download or use the application's installation disk to reinstall the program.

Using Other Methods

• For Windows 7, you may find the list of all installed programs when you click Start and scroll your mouse over the list that appear on the tab. You may see on that list utility for uninstalling the program. You may go ahead and uninstall using utilities available in this tab.
• For Windows 10, you may click Start, then Settings, then choose Apps.
• Scroll down to see the list of Apps and features installed in your computer.
• Click the Program which is causing the runtime error, then you may choose to uninstall or click Advanced options to reset the application.

Method 3 - Update your Virus protection program or download and install the latest Windows Update

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Virus infection causing runtime error on your computer must immediately be prevented, quarantined or deleted. Make sure you update your virus program and run a thorough scan of the computer or, run Windows update so you can get the latest virus definition and fix.

Method 4 - Re-install Runtime Libraries

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You might be getting the error because of an update, like the MS Visual C++ package which might not be installed properly or completely. What you can do then is to uninstall the current package and install a fresh copy.

• Uninstall the package by going to Programs and Features, find and highlight the Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable Package.
• Click Uninstall on top of the list, and when it is done, reboot your computer.
• Download the latest redistributable package from Microsoft then install it.

Method 5 - Run Disk Cleanup

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You might also be experiencing runtime error because of a very low free space on your computer.

• You should consider backing up your files and freeing up space on your hard drive
• You can also clear your cache and reboot your computer
• You can also run Disk Cleanup, open your explorer window and right click your main directory (this is usually C: )
• Click Properties and then click Disk Cleanup

Method 6 - Reinstall Your Graphics Driver

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If the error is related to a bad graphics driver, then you may do the following:

• Open your Device Manager, locate the graphics driver
• Right click the video card driver then click uninstall, then restart your computer

Method 7 - IE related Runtime Error

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If the error you are getting is related to the Internet Explorer, you may do the following:

1. Reset your browser.
• For Windows 7, you may click Start, go to Control Panel, then click Internet Options on the left side. Then you can click Advanced tab then click the Reset button.
• For Windows 8 and 10, you may click search and type Internet Options, then go to Advanced tab and click Reset.
2. Disable script debugging and error notifications.
• On the same Internet Options window, you may go to Advanced tab and look for Disable script debugging
• Put a check mark on the radio button
• At the same time, uncheck the "Display a Notification about every Script Error" item and then click Apply and OK, then reboot your computer.

If these quick fixes do not work, you can always backup files and run repair reinstall on your computer. However, you can do that later when the solutions listed here did not do the job.

Other languages:

Wie beheben Fehler 10974 (Änderungen an der Datenbank oder am Projekt haben die zugehörige digitale Signatur ungültig gemacht) - Änderungen an der Datenbank oder dem Projekt haben die zugehörige digitale Signatur ungültig gemacht.@Dies erfordert möglicherweise, dass Sie beim nächsten Öffnen der Datenbank oder des Projekts eine Vertrauensentscheidung treffen. @@2@1@553714150@1.
Come fissare Errore 10974 (Le modifiche al database o al progetto hanno invalidato la firma digitale associata) - Le modifiche al database o al progetto hanno invalidato la firma digitale associata.@Ciò potrebbe richiedere di prendere una decisione di fiducia alla successiva apertura del database o del progetto. @@2@1@553714150@1.
Hoe maak je Fout 10974 (Wijzigingen aan de database of het project hebben de bijbehorende digitale handtekening ongeldig gemaakt) - Wijzigingen aan de database of het project hebben de bijbehorende digitale handtekening ongeldig gemaakt.@Hierdoor moet u mogelijk een vertrouwensbeslissing nemen de volgende keer dat u de database of het project opent. @@2@1@553714150@1.
Comment réparer Erreur 10974 (Des modifications de la base de données ou du projet ont invalidé la signature numérique associée) - Les modifications apportées à la base de données ou au projet ont invalidé la signature numérique associée.@Cela peut nécessiter que vous preniez une décision de confiance la prochaine fois que vous ouvrirez la base de données ou le projet. @@2@1@553714150@1.
어떻게 고치는 지 오류 10974 (데이터베이스 또는 프로젝트를 수정하면 연결된 디지털 서명이 무효화됩니다.) - 데이터베이스 또는 프로젝트를 수정하면 연결된 디지털 서명이 무효화됩니다.@다음에 데이터베이스나 프로젝트를 열 때 신뢰 결정을 내려야 할 수 있습니다. @@2@1@553714150@1.
Como corrigir o Erro 10974 (As modificações no banco de dados ou projeto invalidaram a assinatura digital associada) - As modificações no banco de dados ou projeto invalidaram a assinatura digital associada. @ Isso pode exigir que você tome uma decisão confiável na próxima vez que abrir o banco de dados ou projeto. @@ 2 @ 1 @ 553714150 @ 1.
Hur man åtgärdar Fel 10974 (Ändringar av databasen eller projektet har ogiltigförklarat den tillhörande digitala signaturen) - Ändringar av databasen eller projektet har ogiltigförklarat den associerade digitala signaturen.@Detta kan kräva att du fattar ett förtroendebeslut nästa gång du öppnar databasen eller projektet. @@ 2@1@553714150@1.
Как исправить Ошибка 10974 (Изменения в базе данных или проекте сделали связанную цифровую подпись недействительной.) - Изменения в базе данных или проекте сделали связанную цифровую подпись недействительной. @ Это может потребовать от вас принятия решения о доверии при следующем открытии базы данных или проекта. @@ 2 @ 1 @ 553714150 @ 1.
Jak naprawić Błąd 10974 (Modyfikacje bazy danych lub projektu unieważniły powiązany podpis cyfrowy) - Modyfikacje bazy danych lub projektu unieważniły powiązany podpis cyfrowy. @ Może to wymagać podjęcia decyzji o zaufaniu przy następnym otwarciu bazy danych lub projektu. @@2@1@553714150@1.
Cómo arreglar Error 10974 (Las modificaciones a la base de datos o al proyecto han invalidado la firma digital asociada.) - Las modificaciones a la base de datos o al proyecto han invalidado la firma digital asociada. @ Esto puede requerir que tome una decisión de confianza la próxima vez que abra la base de datos o el proyecto. @@ 2 @ 1 @ 553714150 @ 1.

About The Author: Phil Hart has been a Microsoft Community Contributor since 2010. With a current point score over 100,000, they've contributed more than 3000 answers in the Microsoft Support forums and have created almost 200 new help articles in the Technet Wiki.

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