Fixed: Access Cannot Open a Database Created with a Previous Version

Recently, many users have experienced and reported that they received the “Microsoft Access Cannot open a database created with a previous version of your application” error message when trying to open the .mdb database created using the earlier Access version.

Thus, if you are also facing the same error, you must check out this post. As it contains both manual as well as automatic solutions to fix the below-shown error and recover its data.

Access Cannot Open a Database Created with a Previous Version

Fix Microsoft Access Issues
Run a database Scan with Stellar Access Database Repair Tool to repair inconsistent Access database. After the scan is complete, the repair process will restore the database to its normal state fixing all the errors.

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.

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.

Access Cannot Open a Database Created with a Previous Version

  • 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 on 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.

Access Cannot Open a Database Created with a Previous Version

  • 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.

Microsoft Access Cannot Open a Database Created with a Previous Version

Now, your file will be automatically saved in the Access 2007.accdb format.

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 has the ability to 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:

Related FAQs:

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.

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.

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 one and 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 to repair your corrupt Access database file and further convert it without any trouble.

That’s it…!

tip 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.

  1. Download Stellar Repair for Access rated Great on Cnet (download starts on this page).
  2. Click Browse and Search option to locate corrupt Access database.
  3. Click Repair button to repair & preview the database objects.

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.