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

Have you ever faced the challenge of dealing with outdated database formats? If you are still using MDB (Microsoft Database) files, it might be time to upgrade to the more robust ACCDB (Access Database) files. This inclusive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about how to convert MDB to ACCDB database file, ensuring you can leverage the improved functionality offered by newer versions of MS Access.

Something About Access File Formats: ACCDB & MDB

Before MS Access 2007 release, Access used the MDB file format while Access 2007 and later versions used the ACCDB file format.  The advanced feature of .accdb file format offers many more benefits compared to the previous file format.

For instance, the new .accdb file format lets you store file attachments, uses multivalued fields, and integrates with SharePoint and Outlook in a much more secure way. While the ACCDB file format allows for backward compatibility with the MDB file format, it’s better to convert MDB database to ACCDB. But before that, let’s know whether we can do so or not.

Can I Convert A MDB File to ACCDB?

Yes, you can convert an Access database .mdb file to .accdb. Converting MDB to ACCDB is a crucial step for confirming your databases are compatible with the latest MS Access software & benefit from enhanced features.

Why You Need to Convert .mdb to .accdb?

There are various advantages of the MDB file conversion process, including:

1. Improved Features– Conversion of MDB format allows you to take advantage of new features in Access like data macros, calculated fields, etc.
2. Enhanced Compatibility– Access database .accdb is compatible with the most recent versions of MS Access.
3. Better Performance– ACCDB DB files often perform better, especially with larger datasets.

Also Read: Convert Access Report to Word Document – (Step-by-Step)

How to Convert MDB to ACCDB File Format?

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

To convert Access 2000/2002/2003 MDB format database file to accdb file format, follow these steps:

• Open the database in your Access 2007 or 2010 application and then save it in the .accdb file format.
• On the File tab click on the Open
• In the open dialog box, select and open the Access 2000 or Access 2002/2003 database file that you want to convert.
• On the File tab, click save and publish and then under Database File Types click Access Database (*.accdb).
• After that, click to Save As.

If any database object gets open when you click the Save As option then access prompts you to close them first to create the copy. So click to Yes option to make access close the objects or click No to cancel the entire process.  When required, access will prompt to save any changes.

In the save as dialog box, assign name in the File Name box and then click Save.

Access generates the copy of the database and then opens the copied database closing the original one.

Convert An Access 97 Database To The .Accdb Format

Follow these steps to convert Access 97 database .mdb format file to new .accdb format.

• In Access 2010 application, go to the File tab and click Open option.
• In the Open dialog box select and open the (.mdb) database which you want to convert.
• This will open the Database Enhancement dialog box, tap to ‘yes’ option.
• Access creates copy of the database in the .ACCDB file format and then automatically closes the original database.

Also Read: Convert Access Database From Accdb To Mdb File Format?

Use Access 2007 To Open The Database Created Or Updated In Access 2010

As Access 2007 and Access 2010 share the same file format you can use Access 2007 to open the database created in Access 2010 without using the Save As command.

However, Access 2010 has such new features that require Access 2010 to run. Depending on the features, the following behavior might occur when you try to use the database in Access 2007.

• You don’t have permission to modify the objects that use the new features.
• You can‘t even open the objects that use the new feature.
• You can’t open the database in Access 2007 at all.

To check out a complete listing of the Access 2010 features that causes compatibility issues with Access 2007, see the article: Backward Compatibility between Access 2010 and Access 2007.

Convert An Older-Version MDB Access Database To Access 2013 ACCDB Format

To convert mdb to accdb for running it successfully on  your respective Access 2013/2010/2007 databases, here are the following  steps to be followed:

• Open the database.
• Close any open objects.
• Click to the file tab of the ribbon to enter backstage view and choose Save As.
• In the ‘Save As’ dialog box, below the save database as heading, select access database (*.accdb).
• Now click the Save As button.

• Browse the folder in which you want to store the new version of your database.
• After that assign a name for your database.
• Access will create a new database containing all the objects in the old database, stored in the new format having extension .accdb. Additionally, a message appears to you that this new database can’t open in access 2003 or earlier versions.
• Click Save.

How to Convert MDB to ACCDB Online Free?

You can try Anyconv MDB to ACCDB converter online tool to get your transformation process done successfully. If you want to try this free online service, follow these steps:

• On your PC, open the browser and visit https://anyconv.com/mdb-to-accdb-converter/.
• Upload or choose the file which you want to convert.

• After that, click on the “Convert”.
• Now, you will get your converted file there. Download it instantly or you can send the download link to your email.

Also Read: Convert OR Migrate An Access Database To SQL Server

Related FAQs:

Which Is Better MDB or ACCDB?

ACCDB data encryption is stronger than the MDB file format. ACCDB allows numerous field types such as attachment fields, multi-value fields, calculated fields, and many more, but the MDB database doesn’t have any services like this.

How to Open MDB File Without Access?

You have to first convert the MDB file into a CSV, then try to open it. Now, the file will open without Microsoft Access.

What Opens MDB Format?

Microsoft Excel and MDB Viewer Plus open the database MDB file format.

What Is the Extension Name for Microsoft Access 2002 2003 Format?

.mdb is the extension name for Microsoft Access 2002 2003 format.

Final Thoughts

So, this is all about how to convert MDB database to ACCDB database file. By following the methods mentioned in this post, you can ensure a smooth & successful DB file conversion process.

I hope you enjoyed reading this guide.

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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.