corrupt access database: "unrecognized format"

[martyrX]

I tried to open my access database and it gave me an error
message stating that the file is corrupt. I tried to
compact and repair the database, but it stated that the
file is in an "unrecognized format" and it didn't even
attempt to fix it.

It's possible that the database is so corrupt that it
cannot be repaired. Of course it's also possible that the
file header is corrupt and all the data is fine.

Any ideas on how to force access to TRY to repair this
file?

thank you

 

[jmonty]

Create a new database.
On the tbales tab click New> Import and browse to the
corrupted mdb file. See if you can import all your tables,
forms, reports, etc. into the new db.
Good luck.

 

[Steven]

I have the same problem and tried the new database trick
which did not work still says unrecognized. did you find a
solution for the problem?

 

[Tony Toews]

I tried to open my access database and it gave me an error
message stating that the file is corrupt. I tried to
compact and repair the database, but it stated that the
file is in an "unrecognized format" and it didn't even
attempt to fix it.

It's possible that the database is so corrupt that it
cannot be repaired. Of course it's also possible that the
file header is corrupt and all the data is fine.

Any ideas on how to force access to TRY to repair this
file?

Another method is to try the JetComp utility.

For more information on corruption including possible causes,
determining the offending PC, retrieving your data, links, official MS
KB articles and a list of vendors who state they can fix corruption
see the Microsoft Access Corruption FAQ at
http://www.granite.ab.ca/access/corruptmdbs.htm

Tony
--
Tony Toews, Microsoft Access MVP
Please respond only in the newsgroups so that others can
read the entire thread of messages.
Microsoft Access Links, Hints, Tips & Accounting Systems at
http://www.granite.ab.ca/accsmstr.htm

 

[martyrX]

i already tried to import, and i can't. no solution yet,
but i will try the jetcomp utility, whatever that is.

 

[John Vinson]

i already tried to import, and i can't. no solution yet,
but i will try the jetcomp utility, whatever that is.

Check out Tony's excellent Corruption FAQ at

http://www.granite.ab.ca/access/corruptmdbs.htm

for some tips. It is quite possible that this database is destroyed
and cannot be recovered; on the other hand, you'll get the same
message if someone with Access 2002 converted it to 2002 format and
you're trying to open it in 2000.