Database cannot be accessed

[Jake]

I have a client who can no longer use their Access DB. The forms are
available on their desktop, but when they try to update the database they
receive a message that reads run time error 3044 and identifies an invalid
path. The LAN admin has said this is because the database has been moved to
another server and the initial server in the path no longer exists.

I have found the database on the network and tried to open it, but receive
the message: "couldn't find system.mdw. This file is required for startup".
Also there is a system.ldb file identifying Access Record-locking
information and a system.mda Access Add-in file. I can't open these.

I tried to create a path on the network the same as the old path, but this
was unsuccessful. I also thought using Access from another user would
activate the default system.mdw file and allow logon as Admin. Didn't
work.The original creator of the database is gone, and any passwords are
likely gone too. The database contains important information. I've scanned
the SECFAQ download, but I must be missing something.

Thanks so much for any help.

John

 

[Joan Wild]

I have a client who can no longer use their Access DB. The forms are
available on their desktop, but when they try to update the database they
receive a message that reads run time error 3044 and identifies an invalid
path. The LAN admin has said this is because the database has been moved to
another server and the initial server in the path no longer exists.

OK. Can they open the database frontend? (rather than a shortcut to a
form). If so they can use the linked table manager to refresh the links to
the valid path to the backend.

I have found the database on the network and tried to open it, but receive
the message: "couldn't find system.mdw. This file is required for startup".
Also there is a system.ldb file identifying Access Record-locking
information and a system.mda Access Add-in file. I can't open these.

What version are you using? system.mda was I believe Access 2.0. Try to
delete the ldb file.

I tried to create a path on the network the same as the old path, but this
was unsuccessful. I also thought using Access from another user would
activate the default system.mdw file and allow logon as Admin. Didn't
work.

Well it shouldn't if it was secured properly.

The original creator of the database is gone, and any passwords are

likely gone too. The database contains important information. I've scanned
the SECFAQ download, but I must be missing something.

You need to open the database (frontend) where the forms are, and then
refresh the links to the correct backend database location.