HomemiscellaneousManual Steps to Recover Corrupt Access Database File

Manual Steps to Recover Corrupt Access Database File

Microsoft Access is a worldwide popular database management system, used to store data and information by all sort of organizations for business purpose, as well as by common users for their own use. This data is stored in the formats of MDB and ACCDB files. In this article, we are going to analyse what causes corruption in MS Access, how to avoid corruption, prevention of Access database, how can we recover corrupt access database file and we will emphasise more on manual methods to repair MDB file of Microsoft Access 2016, 2013, 2010, 2007 and 2003

Why we need to recover corrupt access database file?

We need to know the various reasons that cause corruption in our Access database and because of these reasons, we need to repair damaged access database file (i.e; ACCDB and MDB ). Some of the causes are listed below-

  • Hardware failure like hard drive crashing or interruption in network
  • Multiple users access
  • Improper shut-down of system while Access application is running
  • Viruses/ Malware attack
  • Due to Bugs
  • Failure in software

Error Types in MS Access

  • ‘Unable to open database myfile.mdb’
  • Access randomly losses table records
  • ‘Unrecognised database format’
  • ‘Microsoft Access recognized corruption in file’
  • ‘MDB is not a database’
  • ‘Cannot open a form or report’
  • ‘Error accessing file. Network connect may have been lost’

Precautions to Avoid Corruption in Access Database

  • Avoid the multi-user access
  • Normalize database tables
  • Delete unnecessary plug ins
  • Develop a habit to compress your database regularly
  • Close all the applications that you are not using
  • Make sure that each table in your database have a primary key
  • Split your database as much as possible

Even after following all these precautions, if you still face trouble accessing your database, then you can recover Microsoft Access database file with the below mentioned manual methods.

Manual Methods to Repair & Recover Corrupt Access Database File

Method 1: Compact & Repair Method

Step 1. Open MS Access

Step 2. Go to Database Tool tab.

Step 3. Select Compact and Repair Database

Step 4. Inside Database to Compact From dialog box, browse the Access file and select the file and press Compact.

Step 5. Now, create a new database in the Compact Database Into dialog box. Insert the file name & press Save.

Method 2: Recover From Recent Backup

For this method, you must have a recent backup of your MDB or ACCDB files, beforehand. If you are having the backup, then you can restore Access database file from that backup.

Method 3: Export Access Database to Access 2013, 2010, 2007, 2003

Use these steps given below, to export Access database to Access 2013 and below versions:

Step 1. Open your Access database file, select File >> Save As

Step 2. Select Access Database (*.accdb) inside Save Database As

Step 3. Now, provide a name to the files and choose the destination where the new MDB and ACCDB files will be saved.

Step 4. Click on OK

Method 4: Remove LDB File

Everytime when you open your Access Database, a lock file (.ldb) also opens. This LDB file is automatically created by Jet Engine. By removing these LDB files, we can repair corrupt Access 2007 database. So, make a habit to delete these lock files and check for the corruption.

Method 5: Turn Off AutoCorrect Feature

MS Access 2010

Step 1. Go to File tab

Step 2. Click on Options

Step 3. Now, choose Current Database and uncheck all options under Name AutoCorrect Options

MS Access 2007

Go to the Access Logo and then click on Access Options and uncheck the option Track Name AutoCorrect Info.

MS Access 2003, 2002 & 2002

Go to Tools >> Options and then choose General. Here uncheck all options.

Conclusion

From this writeup, we come to know about various manual methods to repair and recover corrupt Access Database file (.accdb and .mdb). However, in some cases, if these methods do not work or user doesn’t get any solution with these, then user can opt to Access Recovery Software. This tool overcomes all the functional areas where manual methods fail to work. And it recovers damaged Access database file.

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