In Microsoft Access, MDB is a default file format used in Access 2003 & earlier. They store tables, queries, reports, and forms. MDB files often hold critical business or personal data. But sometimes, you may face MDB file corruption, which can cause data loss or app failures. In this blog, I will discuss why these files get corrupt and how to repair MDB files effectively.
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What are the Reasons for MDB File Corruption?
MDB file is a file extension that is used by MS Access 2003 and earlier version. Access 2003 and all earlier versions store and save the data in the MDB file format.
Corruption in the MDB file is very common, and when it gets corrupted, it starts to throw several known and unknown error messages. There are lots of factors that are responsible for the corruption in MDB files, and mentioning all of them is impossible, so some of the most common causes are:
- Improper Exit or Closing of The Application: If somebody is using the MDB files or your Access database is just open and all of a sudden the application gets closed or shutting down the system without closing the application could result in database corruption.
- Virus Infection: Virus and malware are one of the major reasons that are responsible for corrupting and damaging the entire files/folders stored within the computer, including MDB files.
- File Size: As the day passes by, Access database files keep on accumulating, and thereby, the size of the file grows quickly. Due to this, MDB files exceed their storage limits and, hence, get corrupted or damaged.
- Other Reasons: The other reasons could be software malfunction, faulty hardware, interrupted (broken) write operation, sudden system shutdown or power failure while MDB database was open, etc might result in MDB corruptions.
How to Identify MDB File Corruption?
When the database gets corrupt, then it does not respond properly as you want it to. Moreover, the data that is used by the application also fails to respond properly. Well, when such a situation occurs, it starts to throw several error messages, and some of the common error messages are mentioned below:
- The database ‘filename.mdb’ needs to be repaired or isn’t a database file.
- Microsoft Access has detected corruption in this file.
- Microsoft Jet database engine stopped the process because you and another user are attempting to change the same data at the same time.
- The database is in an unexpected state.
- Unrecognized database format ‘path/filename.mdb’.
- Record(s) cannot be read; no read permission on ‘xxxx’.
- Microsoft Access Error 2554 “Can’t find the database you specified”
Besides the above-mentioned error messages, there are several other error messages that MDB files throw while reading the corrupt MS Access database.
Best Software to Repair Corrupted MDB File
In such a situation, it’s highly recommended to go with some reliable MDB File Repair Tool like MS Access Repair And Recovery Tool. This software is particularly designed to repair and recover damaged, corrupted, or error-throwing MS Access database (MDB) files.
This tool has the capability to repair severely corrupted database files and recover each and every bit of data such as tables, records, relations, queries, indexes, memos, and all other database objects and saves the repaired database into new MDB files.
* By clicking the Download button above and installing Stellar Repair for Access (14.8 MB), I acknowledge that I have read and agree to the End User License Agreement and Privacy Policy of this site.
This software is compatible with all versions of MS Access applications and repairs and recovers both MDB & ACCDB files. Below, find a step guide on how to repair corrupt MDB files.
Steps To Repair Corrupt MDB files
Fix Microsoft Access MDB File Corruption using Compact and Repair Database
If you want to fix .mdb file corruption for free and with ease, it is recommended to go for a compact and repair feature of MS Access.
Here’s how to use it:
- Open Access program.
- Navigate to Database Tools.
- Then, click on Compact and Repair Database.
- Now, browse to your .MDB file & select it
This method often fixes minor issues instantly.
Methods to Repair MDB File When Access Compact And Repair Not Working
Since you have now understood that corrupt database file does not work and function properly and it starts to throw several error messages.
So, if you really want to bring the Access database back to its original state, you have to repair MDB files. Below, find out the two effective solutions that will help you repair damaged/corrupted MDB files even if the Access compact and repair doesn’t work.
Method 1- Delete .LDB file
When an Access database is opened by Access or the jet database engine a new file with extension .ldb is get created. Well, this file is basically used to synchronize multi-user file operations, and therefore, it doesn’t require any repair. If you can’t delete the .ldb file then the chances are more than a user or program is still logged into the database.
You should close all open instances of MsAccess.exe using the Windows task manager and also close any software that could be logged into the database. If you still can’t delete the .ldb file, try restarting the PC on which the database is stored.
Method 2- Import a Corrupt MDB File Into A New One
1: Open your Microsoft Access Application on your PC.
2: From the right-hand side pane, hit to the option “create new database” files. Assign name and location for your files. Tap to the Create option to create the new database.
3: This will make a database file and open it up in the Microsoft Access program. Click the External data at the top.
4: To import the Access database tap to the Access option.
5: You will see a get external data Access Database window is get opened on your screen.
On this opened window tap to the Browse option to make a selection for the file that you want to import.
6: On the opened dialog box of File Open, browse access database files, and select it by clicking. Tap to the Open option to make confirmation for the selected items.
7: In the edit box, you can easily take a look over the selected files. For further continuing of the process tap to the OK option.
8: On Import objects dialogue box, choose the objects that you want to import from the selected Access database files. After the selection of the objects, tap to the OK option.
9: Now you will successfully import all selected objects.
10: If you want to save the above-performed import steps for future work then check the Save import steps box. At last tap to the Close option.
Note:
With this import Access database option, you can easily import all the MS Access objects, such as Tables, Forms, Reports, Queries, Macros, and Modules, from a corrupted Access Database to a new file.
Method 3- Convert the MDB to ACCDB Format
Another most effective MDB repair method is converting the .mdb to .accdb file format, which resolves the issues:
- Open Access database
- Next, load the MDB file
- Afterward, go to the File > Save As option > Save Database As > ACCDB format.
This can rebuild damaged links & objects inside the file.
Related FAQs:
How to Edit MDB Files?
To edit MDB files, follow the below steps:
- Open an MDB file in the Microsoft Access.
- Then, export the table by navigating to External Data > Export > Excel or CSV.
- Now, edit the file in Excel or any text editor.
How to Restore MDB File?
If you have recently deleted or lost your MDB file, it is recommended to check it in the Recycle bin:
- Open a Recycle Bin on your desktop.
- Look for your .MDB file.
- If the deleted file is there, right-click on it and choose Restore.
Final Verdict
Access database MDB file corruption can be stressful. Though, MDB repair is often possible with the accurate approach. Use the built-in tool and other options mentioned above. If they fail, turn to Access Repair Software to repair MDB files. Stay proactive with prevention to protect your vital data.
Still having issues? Fix them with this Access repair tool: This software repairs & restores all ACCDB/MDB objects including tables, reports, queries, records, forms, and indexes along with modules, macros, and other stuffs effectively.
- Download Stellar Repair for Access rated Great on Cnet (download starts on this page).
- Click Browse and Search option to locate corrupt Access database.
- Click Repair button to repair & preview the database objects.
Pearson Willey
Pearson Willey is a website content writer and long-form content planner. Besides this, he is also an avid reader. Thus he knows very well how to write an engaging content for readers. Writing is like a growing edge for him. He loves exploring his knowledge on MS Access & sharing tech blogs.