As we all know, MS Access is a commonly used DBMS (Database Management System), due to its user-friendly interface & influential features. However, users may encounter an error “Microsoft Access Cannot open a database created with a previous version of your application” when trying to open the .mdb database created with previous versions of the Access software.
This article discovers the reasons behind this cryptic warning message and provides resolutions to troubleshoot it.
Free MS Access Database Repair Tool
Repair corrupt MDB and ACCDB database files and recover deleted database tables, queries, indexes and records easily. Try Now!
By clicking the 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.
Common Causes for Access Cannot Open Database Created with Previous Version
Here are the common causes of this error message:
- Corrupted Access database file
- Due to a damaged storage drive
- Restoring a database file from an invalid backup
- Incompatible version of Access DB file.
How To Fix “Access Cannot Open a Database Created With A Previous Version” Error?
Well, this error is generally encountered by MS Access 2013 or later version users when trying to open the database (.mdb format) created in a prior version.
However, the error ‘cannot open a database created with a previous version of your application’ can be easily fixed by converting an old database (MDB) file format to an .accdb format.
Here, we have mentioned the steps for converting the .mdb file format to .accdb in different Access versions.
So, you need to follow the steps according to the MS Access version that you are using currently.
How to Convert MDB Format of MS Access 97 Database to ACCDB File Format?
Here are the complete steps to do so:
- Try to open your .mdb file of Access 97 database in the Access 2003.
- After this, go to “Tools” menu, and choose the Database Utilities >> Convert Database.
- At this time, click on the Access 2002 to 2003 file format.
- Once prompted, you have to enter the name of the database >> click Save
- Next, close your MS Access 2003 program.
- Then, open the Access 2019/2016/2013.
- Now, go to “File” menu >> select the Save As >> Access Database (.accdb).
- Hit the button “Save As”.
- Finally, choose Save option to save the changes.
Now, your file will be automatically saved in an .accdb format.
How to Convert Microsoft Access 2000 to 2003 MDB Database to ACCDB Format
Here are the complete steps to do so:
- Simply open your Microsoft Access application then click on the File>> Open.
- Choose to open an Access 2000/Access 2002 to 2003 (.mdb) database file that you want to convert from an Open dialogbox.
- When a database opens in the Access, you have to click on File then click Save & Publish.
- After this, click the option “Save Database As”, and choose Access Database from a section of ‘Database File Types’.
- Then, click on Save As.
- Under the window of ‘Save As’, just specify a database file name in a File name blank box >> hit Save
- Once “This Database has been upgraded to the Access 2007 File Format. The new database cannot be shared with users of Access 2003 or earlier versions” message box opens >> click OK.
Now, your file will be automatically saved in the Access 2007.accdb format.
Also Read: Fix Access Cannot Open Database It May Not Be a Database!
Automatic Way: Fix Microsoft Access Cannot Open a Database Created with a Previous Version
After trying the above workaround, if you are unable to convert an old database (MDB) file to a .accdb format, maybe your database is corrupted.
In such a situation, you must try the most recommended tool- Access Repair N Recovery. It can fix & recover corrupt .accdb & .mdb database files successfully.
Below you can find other igneous features of this tool:
- Repairs & recovers the tables, queries, macros, modules, forms, reports, relations, and more stuff.
- Easy recovery of password-protected modules & forms.
- Supports calculated data types and linked tables.
- Compatible with different versions of Microsoft Access.
* 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.
So, just download and install this tool on your PC & follow the below steps to know how the Access Repair N Recovery utility works:
Best Tips to Avoid Future Occurrences
To prevent encountering the error cannot open old Access database in Office 365 in the future, follow these best practices:
- Avoid cross-version sharing without compatibility checks.
- Stay up-to-date with the latest MS Access versions.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions):
Why Am I Getting Access Cannot Open Database Created with Previous Version Error?
You are getting this error due to compatibility between the Access version installed on your PC & the file format of the database that you are trying to open.
Why Can I Not Restore Previous Versions?
Since you are not able to restore previous versions in Access, it means the earlier versions aren’t created as part of the restore point. In such a case, the lost files remain on your hard disk, but you can’t use the option “Restore previous version” to bring them back.
What Should I Do If My Access DB Files Are Corrupted?
If your Access database files are corrupted, you can try repairing them by using Access’s built-in Compact and Repair tool or advanced 3rd-party software mentioned in this blog.
How Do I Convert an Access Database To An Older Version?
To convert an Access database to an earlier version file format, follow the below steps:
Step 1- Open a database you wish to convert >> click on File tab.
Step 2- In File Types >> tap Save Database As. In the Save Database As, click Access 2002 – 2003 Database (*.mdb) or click Access 2000 Database (*.mdb).
Step 3- Now, in the dialog box of “Save As”, type a database file name >> then simply click on Save.
How Can I Upgrade Microsoft Access to Fix This Error?
You can upgrade Microsoft Access by purchasing & installing the latest version from Microsoft’s website.
Final Verdict
In this comprehensive post, we have discussed both manual as well as automatic ways to fix Access cannot open a database created with a previous version of your application error. However, converting an old database (MDB) file to a .accdb format is the only solution to get rid of the issue. But, if you fail to do this, you should go for an automatic solution i.e. Access Repair N Recovery tool.
This software will help you repair your corrupt Access database file and further convert it without any trouble.
That’s it…!
References:
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.