MS Access Convert ADP to ACCDB Without Losing Data!

We are unaware of the fact that .adp (Access Data Projects) files are no longer supported in MS Access database version 2010/2013/2016. These files are used with Access and can of course opened with programs too but only if you are running an older version of the Access database like 2002/2002/2003/2007. However, to work such files in a newer version you will have to convert Access ADP to ACCDB file. In this blog, I will cover .adp to .accdb conversion process to make your old file openable smoothly.

Microsoft Access Database (Mdb/accdb) Vs Access Data Project (Adp)

Well, both Microsoft Access Database (mdb/accdb) and Access Database Project (adp) can be used to develop database management applications. Although their business objectives are similar they differ in their specification.

The main difference between these two is that Microsoft Access Database contains all codes, data, queries, etc. in one neat little container. Whereas, ADP separates the data from the application using tables and queries residing on back back-end database like SQL server. It holds access to project information and communicates directly with the Microsoft SQL Server database.

Why Do You Need to MS Access Convert ADP to ACCDB?

Here are a few essentials to get your conversion process done.

1. Microsoft Access 2013 & later versions do not support ADP database files.
2. ACCDB file offers various excellent features as compared to ADP file.
3. ADP file can only open in SQL Server or older versions of Access but ACCDB can open independently.

Also Read: How to Convert MS Access To Web Application?

How To MS Access Convert ADP to ACCDB File format?

Access 2010 and Access 2007 by default creates databases in .accdb file format. This format supports new features like data macros, multivalued fields and publishing to Access services.  But the relaxing point is that you can convert databases that were created previously in MS Office Access 2003, Access 2002, Access 2000, or Access 97 i.e .adp to the .accdb file format.

However the database in .accdb file format can’t be opened or linked by using versions of access earlier than Access 2007. Along with that the .accdb file format doesn’t support replication or user-level security. Whenever you need to share your database with people who are using Access 2003 or earlier or when you need to use replication or user-level security then you should use the Access .mdb file format.

Convert An Access 2000 Or Access 2002 – 2003 Database To The .Accdb Format

In order to convert an Access 2000 or Access 2002 – 2003 database (.adp) to the .accdb file format, you first need to open the database using Access 2007 or Access 2010, and then save it in the .accdb file format.

1. From the File tab, click on the Open option.
2. Now in the Open dialog box, choose and open the Access 2000 or Access 2002 – 2003 database (.adp) file that you required to convert.

Note: 

If the database Enhancement dialog box appears, then it means the database is using a file format earlier than Access 2000.

3. Again go to the File tab, tap to Save & Publish option, and then, under Database File Types hit to the Access Database (*.accdb) file format.
4. At last, hit the Save As button.

While making a click over Save As option if any databases objects are already open then Access asks you to close them prior to creating the copy.

So, tap to the Yes option so that access will close all the opened objects. Or else you can tap to the No option to cancel down the entire process.

5. In the Save As dialog box, assign any file name in the File Name and then tap to the Save.

Access makes a copy of the database and then opens it after automatically closing down the original database.

Convert An Access 97 Database To The .accdb Format

Here is the complete step on how to convert an Access 97 database (.adp) to the new file format (.accdb).

1. In Access 2010, on the File tab, click Open.
2. From the Open dialog box, select and open the Access 97 (.mdb) database that you want to convert.
3. Now in the opened Database Enhancement dialog box, click to the Yes option. 

Access makes a copy of the database and then opens it after automatically closing down the original database.

Note: 

Remember you can’t use the resulting .accdb file in access database version 2007/2003/2002/2000.

Use Access 2007 To Open A Database That Was Created Or Modified In Access 2010

As Access 2010 and 2007 share the same file format, you can use Access 2007 to open up the database that was created in Access 2010 without using the Save As command. Moreover depending on the features, the following issues come across if anyone tries to use the database in Access 2007.

• Unable to modify the object that uses the new feature.
• Can’t open the object that uses the new feature.
• Denies opening of the database in Access 2007 at all.

Also Read: How to Convert MDB to ACCDB File? – (Complete Guide)

How to Convert ADP File To MDB?

Well, adp and mdb file are two database file formats created by Microsoft Access. ADP files are SQL database files whereas mdb files contain Access project information about the ADP files which are stored in the Access project. If you have an ADP file and it refuses to get opened in Access database version 2016/2013/2010 then also you have the option to convert it to MDB file format. To convert ADP file To MDB just follow down these steps:

 Steps To Convert ADP File To MDB :

• Firstly you need to Open your Microsoft Access.
• After then tap to the “File” option menu bar and click to “Open,” option.
• Now hit the ADP file that you need to convert to MDB format.
• Then click to the “File,” option and then click “Share”. After then hit the “Save Database As” option.

• Choose the “Access Database” file type, and then assign the name for your newly created MDB file.
• Now tap to the save option and your MDB file is created and saved to your PC.

Related FAQs:

What is MS Access ADP?

An Access data project is an Access file (. adp) that offers a direct, competent connection to an MS SQL Server database via the OLE DB component architecture.

Does Access Support ADPs?

No, Access doesn’t support Access Data Projects (ADPs).

How to Fix Access Data Projects Are No Longer Supported?

By converting the Access ADP to ACCDB file format, you can fix Access data projects are no longer supported.

Final Verdict

Converting the .ADP to .ACCDB file ensures constant compatibility with MS Access. While the conversion process involves manual effort, the transition lets users take advantage of Access’s modern features. All you need to do is follow the steps discussed above to convert Access ADP to ACCDB carefully to ensure a smooth migration.

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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.