Unrecognized Database Format

[Larry Bohen]

I am using Access 2003 SP2 on Windows XP.

I have a 11,000 record product database, on another Windows XP PC, which I
access on my PC to update. Occasionally I get an "unrecognized database
format" error message making the database unaccessible to me. I have to
resort to the last backup in these cases.

Any idea what is causing this error, how to prevent it and/or how to restore
the database (hopefully with all my latest changes)?

 

[Arvin Meyer [MVP]]

First, you need to split your database into a back-end with the data tables,
and a front-end with everything else. Every workstation MUST use their own
copy of the front-end. Any other configuration invites the corruption you
are seeing.

As far as that corruption goes:

First, always work on a copy of the database. Working on the original may
make it impossible for a repair service to fix it.

Download a copy of JetComp.exe:

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;EN-US;273956

Also have a look at the Microsoft KB article:

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;EN-US;209137

Then have a look at Tony Toews' Access Corruption FAQ at:

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

for some suggestions. Unfortunately, some corruption cannot be fixed - you
may need to create a new database, import what can be salvaged, and recreate
the rest.

Although it's a paid service, Peter Miller does an outstanding job of saving
corrupt databases. Try this URL:

http://www.pksolutions.com
--
Arvin Meyer, MCP, MVP
Microsoft Access
Free Access downloads:
http://www.datastrat.com
http://www.mvps.org/access