Can't open Access databases - need system.mdw

[Guest]

I had to re-install Windows XP on my laptop, and now I can't open any Access
databases. I'm getting an error saying I need a file called system.mdw. What
is it and where can I find it? I've tried re-installing Office 2000 to
correct this to no avail. Any help will be much appreciated.

 

[Arvin Meyer]

System.mdw is the security information file that is required for all Access
databases. You should find system.mdw in your C:\Windows\System32\
directory. If your database has been secured, it could be in another
location. If not, try opening Access first, then open the database.
--
Arvin Meyer, MCP, MVP
Microsoft Access
Free Access downloads:
http://www.datastrat.com
http://www.mvps.org/access

 

[Joseph Meehan]

I had to re-install Windows XP on my laptop, and now I can't open any
Access databases. I'm getting an error saying I need a file called
system.mdw. What is it and where can I find it? I've tried
re-installing Office 2000 to correct this to no avail. Any help will
be much appreciated.

Was Access User Level Security active on those Access files? If so you
may now have a real problem. That file keeps the keys for secured Access
files.

Let's hope that somehow you just lost the file and it's backup. Try a
repair using your original Access - Office disk. Maybe the repair will fix
what the re-install did not.