Unrecognized database

[George]

I have a database I created on my home computer and at the
time I used office 97. When I took the database to work
and loaded it on our LAN so everyone could use it I am
having the following problems. First when I try to open it
it using a desktop shortcut it gives me an error
message "Unrecognized Database", so I closed it and then
converted it to Access 2000. Now when I double click
directly on the program file or use a Desktop Icon I still
get the same error message but if I open the Microsoft
Access program first and then surf to my file from within
the Access program and select open it opens without any
error messages. Why does the database only open by first
starting Microsoft Access ?

PS - I now have Access 2000 at home and it opens OK using
a Desktop Icon or double clicking directly on the file.

Thanks

 

[DBS]

It sounds as if you had or have both Access 97 and Access
2000 installed on the same machine.

While it is technically possible to have both versions
installed on the same computer, it is NOT recommended. One
of the possible consequenses can be just the sort of
behavior that you're experiencing, and even if you resolve
this issue others are likely to crop up in an
unpredictable way.

This particular issue is caused by the operating system
getting confused about which version of Access should be
associated with a file extension, such as ".mdb".
Generally speaking, it will use whatever version of Access
was opened last. So if Access 97 was opened last, the OS
will use it to open the next time you double-click on a
file with an .mdb extension. If that file happens to be in
2000 format, you'll get the error you're describing.

By the way, if I've correctly diagnosed your issue, you're
also likely to experience problems when trying import into
Access. Multiple versions of Access on the same computer
can wreck havok with various wizards, such as the ones
that help you import Excel, text, of dBase files.

My experience has been, if you need two different versions
of Access, use two different computers.

Please see the following Microsoft KB articles:

How to install Access 97 and Access 2000 on the same
computer
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-
us;241141

ACC2000: Double-Clicking Shortcut to Access 2000 Object
Starts Access 97 Instead
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-
us;225872&Product=acc

(fix any text-wrapping that my have occured)

DBS (David Staas)

 

[Alex]

This problem could be caused when you have 2 or more different versions of
Access on the machine. The double click might be choosing the wrong version,
or the access runtimes, if installed. If you need the multiple copies
installed create a shortcut to the correct version, and specify the database
in the "Target" field:

"C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\Office\MSACCESS.EXE" C:\yourdatabase.mdb

Alex

 

[George]

Thanks - for both answers - I would of never though to
look for two versions being installed. Will take a look.

George