Can't compact Access 97 Database

[John S. Ford, MD]

For some reason, I can't seem to compact an Access 97 Database that I've
been using for some time. I get a message that it can't be deleted because
it's Read Only (which I can tell it isn't by checking it's properties).
Apparently what Access does is compact it into another file in the same
folder (named db1) and doesn't delete the original.

Anyone know why Access suddenly is doing this?

John

 

[MacDermott]

I used to have that happen frequently with an A97 database.
Yes, your description of compacting is pretty much what happens -
the database gets compacted to db1, then renamed.
That makes recovery much easier if something does go awry.
Never did know exactly what was causing it,
but found I could usually manually rename the db1 and delete the
original.
Of course, it's wise to first rename the original, then give db1 the
original name, and not delete the renamed original until you're sure db1 is
working properly.
In fact, if you're experiencing regular corruption, it's a good idea to
make a copy of the database before beginning any compact/repair operation.

HTH
- Turtle