Step-by-Step Solution to Repair Access Database Files

What Causes Access Database Corruption?

Various factors that lead to the damage and corruption of the Microsoft Access database are mentioned here:

• Power failure or sudden shutdown of the systems
• Interruptions in the network for shared databases
• The size limit for large Access databases is exceeded 
• Faulty or incorrect add-ins and incomplete database writes
• Inconsistent cycles for database compact and repair 
• Threat attacks by viruses and malware on the database
• Frequent editing in the fields of MEMO and dissimilar JET engine

Symptoms that State to Repair Corrupt Access Database

MS Access is still a popular choice because it integrates well with other Microsoft services. It acts as a front-end for some common backend systems such as SQL Server and Azure SQL, providing increased accessibility and scalability. But if it gets corrupted, and you do not take measures to repair Access database files, you may encounter the following issues: 

1. Missed tables and queries in the database
2. Objects may start to crash unexpectedly while opening
3. Startup and data entry error codes 
4. Multiple types of error messages as shown in the table below:

Therefore, you must take proper solutions to recover corrupt Access database files. 

Possible Methods to Repair Microsoft Access Database

In this section of the technical guide, find out some basic troubleshooting fixes to repair a corrupt Access database/file for free. Also, check out the smart and efficient recovery tool for an immediate fix without limitations or data risks. Going through the professional software, you will also find how it helps fix Microsoft Access database error 2950 and many more. 

Free Fixes to Repair Access Database Files

There are the top three manual solutions for database repair using some built-in features. These are explained in complete detail, along with their limitations, below. 

#1: Compact and Repair 

1. Start MS Access without opening the database in it. 
2. Then, move to Database Tools and choose Compact and Repair. 
3. After that, find and select the corrupted Access database. 
4. Later, press Compact to repair the issue and access the db. 
5. Finally, in the open dialog, give the file a name and click Save.

Drawbacks: This method cannot deal with severe corruption and repair deleted or missing objects. Also, it is not suitable for large Access databases. 

#2: Import to New Database

1. First, create a new database (blank) in MS Access. 
2. Then, move to External Data and find Import & Link.
3. Further, select Access and click Browse to choose the corrupted database.
4. Lastly, select to import all the objects (tables/queries/reports/and so on). 
5. Click OK and then Close to resolve Access database corruption.

Drawback: It bypasses the damaged Access database components. Will not repair access database files if your internal data is corrupted or damaged too. 

#3: Clear Lock File Temporarily

1. At the start, close Access completely and then move to the folder with your db. 
2. Then, locate a file with the same name as your database and .ldb or .laccdb extensions. 
3. If found, delete it and try to reopen MS Access again from the beginning. 

Drawback: Useful only if corruption is caused because of an improperly closed session. Additionally, it can be difficult to manually search lock files and remove them if there are more of them. 

#4: Use Decompile Command 

1. Initially, open the Command Prompt application. (press Win +R >> type cmd >> click OK)
2. Once opened, input the following command:

“C:\Path\To\msaccessapp.exe”/decompile “C:\Path\To\yourdb.accdb”

3. Press Enter to open the database and move to the VBA (Virtual Basic for Applications) code.
4. Press Alt+F11 to access the VBA Editor and finally choose to Debug and Compile the database. 

Drawback: Requires a high level of technical expertise and knowledge to run the commands and follow the process. 

These are some of the no-cost solutions that can help repair Microsoft Access database. However, they are not very suitable for large databases or those with severe corruptions. 

Best Fix to Repair Access Database Files 

If you want a smart solution for all the user concerns and to overcome manual drawbacks, then SysInfo MS Access Recovery Software is for you. This excellent software repairs all Access MDB/ACCDB files quickly and securely, keeping all the objects intact. Additionally, it supports large databases and allows a preview before the final recovery and save. Moreover, this tool has multiple recovery options and can even bring back your deleted records. 

This top-notch software is very easy to use, works on all Windows OS, and even has a Demo Version for evaluation purposes. Steps to use it are:

1. Launch the Access Database File Recovery Software and click Open. 
2. Next, choose the MDB/ACCDB file for recovery and add it to the tool with the (…) icon. 
3. Further, select the mode of recovery (Standard/Advanced) and pick your file version. 
4. After that, choose other filters and click OK to let the file load and display the contents. 
5. Once loaded, preview the tables and report in the panel, select the data, and press Save. 
6. At last, specify a destination to save your recovered Access data and click OK. 

Pro Tip: Before we conclude this guide, remember that if you need long-term stability for your MS Access database. Then the ideal option is to import data from MS Access to SQL Server.

Conclusion 

This guide focused about MS Access database and its file. Then, we discussed why it gets corrupted and what early signs we get when it is affected. Furthermore, we found several ways to repair Access database files using free and paid solutions. The manual workarounds are suitable when your database is small or when corruption isn’t severe. But if you are dealing with something bigger and it contains risk, then the professional Access Database Recovery Software is the optimal solution for all. 

Frequently Asked Questions

About The Author:

Deep Shikha

Deep Shikha Pandey is a Tech Writing Expert having deep knowledge about Outlook, Gmail, Yahoo, SQL, and other databases and email clients. She will guide you the best about email migration and SQL Database recovery using her expertise and making all the processes a cakewalk for the readers. Make your technical journey easy with simple layman’s blogs and accurate technical information.