As we all know, MS Access is a renowned DBMS (Database Management System) produced by Microsoft. It is mainly used due to its excellent features & user-friendly interface. Like any other software, Access is not insusceptible to errors or issues. One of the errors that users often come across is- “Microsoft Access has detected that this database is in an inconsistent state….” Here’s how it looks like:
This error message appears when an Access DB .mdb file is shared over the network and accessed by various users. Luckily, in this write-up, I will discuss the root causes of the inconsistent state error, how to identify it, and a few effective ways to troubleshoot it.
So, let’s get started….!
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Why My Access Database Is in An Inconsistent State?
Below I have outlined the major factors that can lead to your database being in an inconsistent state:
- Due to Database Corruption
The corrupt database file is the primary reason for database inconsistency. It happens due to improper shutdowns, software bugs, or hardware failures.
- Network Issues
When various users access the same database over a network concurrently, network issues can interrupt the database connection and due to this, you may encounter inconsistent state error in Access.
- Software Bugs & Glitches
Like any software, MS Access can have bugs. Sometimes, these bugs might lead to database inconsistencies, specifically if they affect crucial components of a database engine.
Symptoms Of Microsoft Access Inconsistent State
Diagnosing an inconsistent database state is important to take correct action to outcome the situation. Some common indications include:
- Missing/incorrect data in the tables.
- Errors when trying to access the database.
- Slow performance while querying a database.
- Frequent crashes when using Access.
As you have known the causes & indications of this problem now, let’s know how to repair Access database that is in an inconsistent state error with the best fixes.
How to Fix Microsoft Access Has Detected That This Database Is in An Inconsistent State Error?
The following are the methods that you can try to fix this issue.
Method 1- Try Integrated Compact Utility
You can use Access’s inbuilt repair tool i.e. ‘Compact and Repair’ which performs two functions. Firstly, it compacts the database by releasing the deleted space which is excessively captured by the database and only serves to corrupt the database and fragment the stored data. Secondly, it tries to repair the database.
Although this utility helps in sorting out the minimal intensity damage, it doesn’t fix higher-level Access errors. So you can make a try with it.
Follow these steps to run this tool:
Step 1: Open Access, but do not open the database. Click on File.
Step 2: Point the cursor to Info and then click on Compact and Repair Database.
Step 3: Now in the Database to Compact From the dialog box, browse and select the database that you want to compact and repair >> Compact.
Note: Make sure that nobody is using the database file, or else the compact and repair utility will fail.
Have a look at the video to repair the Access database using compact and repair utilities:
Method 2- Import Corrupt Database
Another method that you can try is to create a new database, and while keeping it empty try to import a table into it. If successful, then users can import all the Tables into the new database. This is suggested because there are some Access database errors that cannot be fixed by Compact and Repair utility. To import the database into the new database, follow these steps:
- Open MS Access and create a new database file.
- Tap on Access to import Access database under the External Data tab.
In the next pop-up window, click on Browse and locate the database file while it is imported.
- Specify the place and techniques to store data in a new database and then click OK.
- Make a selection for the radio button “Import tables, forms, reports, macros and, modules into the current database.” and press OK button.
- In the next window select for all database objects that you want to import and Click to the Ok.
Method 3- Disable Leasing Mode on Your PC
Since you are getting a “Microsoft Access has detected that this database is in an inconsistent state” error when trying to open a shared database stored over the network, disabling a leasing mode on your system hosting can assist you in solving this.
Follow the instructions to disable a leasing mode:
- First of all, go to Search box on your Windows PC.
- Type CMD and then right-click on the result (Command Prompt) to select the option “Run as administrator”.
- Under the CMD window, you have to copy & paste this syntax:
REG ADD HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\lanmanserver\parameters /v DisableLeasing /t REG_DWORD /d 1 /f NET STOP SERVER NET START SERVER
- At last, close the CMD window.
Now, attempt to open the DB file to check if the error is resolved. If not, move to the next method.
Method 4- Update Access Application to Fix Microsoft Access Has Detected That This Database Is in An Inconsistent State
Many users have recently reported in the community websites that they have solved this error by updating the Access application. You can also try this method to get rid of it.
To update the MS Access software, ensure your system is connected to a stable internet then follow the below steps:
- Open MS Access >> go to ‘File’ tab.
- Find and click on “Account” >> “Office Updates” option.
- Now, check for updates if available, then click on Update Now.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to successfully install updates.
Method 5- Opt for a Professional Access Repair Tool
Access Repair And Recovery tool is a popular software to recover corrupt MS Access files (MDB or ACCDB). This tool has the ability to fix almost all minor and major corruptions, along with restoring database objects like tables, linked tables, indexes, modules macros, etc.
Key Features Of Access Repair And Recovery Software:
- Easily repair corrupt MS Access MDB or ACCDB database files
- Restores damaged Tables, Queries, Indexes, Linked Tables, Calculated Data Type, Relations, etc.
- Finds fixed database items in the Scan Tree
- Supports MS Access 2016/ 2013/ 2010/ 2007/ 2003/ 2002/ 2000
- Enables selecting corrupt database files from your PC
- Retrieves password-protected forms and modules
- Recover all deleted records to a new database.
So, just download and install this program on your PC to repair the database corruption and fix the inconsistent state error.
* 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.
Steps To Use MS Access Repair Tool
Method 6- Seek Professional Assistance
If the above DIY methods fail to repair Access database that is in an inconsistent state error, it’s advisable to seek a professional database administrator who can diagnose the issue and fix it for you.
How to Avoid Access Inconsistent State Error In the Future?
In order to avoid further MS Access inconsistent state error, follow the below-mentioned tips:
Create Backup Frequently
You should maintain the backup of your MS Access Database. If you maintain the backup of your MS Access database regularly then you can always have the option to restore data from the backup when your Access Database gets corrupted.
Close MS Access Application Properly
It is always suggested that you must make sure to properly exit your MS Access Application properly. Select File>Exit option to close the application properly.
Close All the Connections
As and when you finish your work, it is suggested that you close all the connections in the database.
Split your Database
If your MS Access database is accessed by two or multiple users then it suggested that you must split your database into two parts – a front end that stores queries, forms, reports, and data access pages, and the back end stores the entire table along with data stored in it.
Do not allow Mac and Windows users to work on the same network
If you allow Windows and Mac users to share the same network then chances for MS Access corruption become higher. It is because Mac creates heavy traffic while transferring and printing graphic files. Hence, it is recommended that you must not allow Windows and Mac users to work on the same network at the same time.
Final Verdict
Above, I have stated 6 effective solutions for how to repair Access database that is in an inconsistent state issue. All you need to do is to implement the methods one by one until you fix it successfully.
Nevertheless, if the manual fixes didn’t work, then it is likely your database file is itself corrupt. In such a case, you should immediately opt for the sophisticated Access Repair Tool to repair the db corruption and solve the error.
That’s all…
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.