Why does ACCESS 2003 database get so big?

[Davy in NM]

I have an ACCESS 2003 database that is 0.54MB. I decided
to add JPEG photos to it. The JPEG files range in size
from 32 to 45 KB. Internally they are 200x200 pixels. The
total size of the photos I'm adding is 10.07MB.

If I insert the photos, the ACCESS file grows to
102.8MB!!! Why does the database size get 10 times larger
than the files I am adding?

If I link rather than insert the JPEG files, the database
still grows to 66.9MB. Why do links cause such a large
increase in the database file size?

 

[Douglas J. Steele]

It's because Access has always been terrible at storing images.

The recommended approach is the alternative you mentioned: keeping the
images outside of the database, and just storing the path. Check
http://www.mvps.org/access/forms/frm0030.htm at "The Access Web" for more
details.

If you really want to store the images internally, check out what Stephen
Lebans has at http://www.lebans.com/loadsavejpeg.htm

 

[GVaught]

Issue a compact on your database after switching from embedded images to
links. I would guess that the size will come down from the 66.9 mb size.