Converting from Access97- "Encoded Database" error

[Piedmont]

I am trying to convert a 150MB Access 97 to Access 07. The DB was password
protected, but I had deleted the password.

It gives an error "DataBase is encoded. Decode and try again", with no
options.

What do I need to do here?

 

[Jerry Whittle]

Encoding is scrambling or encrypting the data in the database so that it
can't be easily read by something like Word, NotePad, or some text editor.
You can read data that way somewhat. BTW: Opening an MDB file in something
other than Access is a sure way to destroy the database if you save it
afterwards.

In A07 go to the Database Tools tab and look for encode/decode about half
way across.

 

[William Harris SA]

Hi Jerry

Thank you. I followed the instructions below:
- I found the encode / decode icon halfway across, and clicked on it
- Next screen was headed decode database as:
- requiring file name: I entered the name
- save as type: only had microsoft access.mdb
- selected save
- Then said decoding with green bar at bottom right of screen
- New (assumed) decoded database opens, with new file name
- When I try save as Microsoft Access 07 database, it gives me the same
error message:
"You are trying to convert an encoded database. Decode the database and then
try again.
To protect the converted database, use the Encrypt with Password command." -
with OK as a command box.

What am I doing wrong?!

(Some background: While I am our Access DB's administrator, an outsider came
in and set up the securities / profiles for our co's five users on the
network. Our receptionist is set up as the administrator.
If I click on the encode / decode button on the "administrator's" (the
receptionist)machine, it wants to encode.
If I open the database, ie only open, not "open exlusive", and attempt to
save as 2007, it tells me that the machine is opened exclusively by the
administrator (receptionist name). With no other users logged on)

Please help if you can.

Thanks
Will

 

[William Harris SA]

PS
1.
The front end (what I am experiencing difficulty with) is on Access 03. The
back end has been successfully saved as A07.
2.
When I try "save as A07" on other machines, I get the same response as with
receptionist machine. Error message: "You attempted to open a database that
is already opened exclusively by user 'Admin' on machine '(machine that I'm
opening from)'. (No other users running program). Try again when the database
is available."

Hope this makes it clearer.

Thanks in advance
Will