Fixed: Microsoft Access Error 3343 Unrecognized Database Format!

While handling Access database MDB file, you may encounter run time error 3343 unrecognized database format. This message prevents access to the database, causing disruptions in operations. In this blog, I will mention the possible causes and some quick resolutions to Microsoft Access error 3343 unrecognized database format successfully.

What Causes Access Runtime Error 3343?

A wide variety of reasons can lead to this hectic problem, including:

• Opening the latest version of the Access database file into an older version of the database.
• The Access DB file somehow got corrupted.
• Software or hardware issues
• Virus Attack
• Oversizing of the Access database file
• Maybe you are not using the latest MS Office service pack, or it has not been updated for a long time.
• Malfunctioning of the Microsoft Office suite.
• If splitting of the Access database is done improperly.

How to Fix Access Run Time Error 3343 Unrecognized Database Format?

In this section, we will discuss the 8different ways to fix Unrecognized Database Format (3343) Error.

1. Import Corrupt Database Into New MS Access Database
2. Try to Open MS Access Database File in Older Versions
3. Troubleshoot frxque32.mdb File Issue
4. Using Compact And Repair Inbuilt Utility Tool
5. Try The Backup Option
6. Automatic Solution To Fix Access Unrecognized Database Format Error
7. Assign Adequate Permissions To Access The Database
8. Avoid Using Access 2016 Along With The Visual Studio 2012

Let’s know about each of these fixes one by one in detail…!

Fix- 1: Import Corrupt Database Into New MS Access Database

Try importing of corrupt Access database into a new Access 2010 database file by following these steps:

• First of all, open your MS Access application and create a new database file. Hit the create option to make a new file in the right side section of the panel.
• In the new database file windows, hit to the External Tab option from the above ribbon.

• Tap to the Access option as by pressing this option you can easily import your Access database.
• This will open up a new window named Get External Data – Access Database.

• So, tap to the browse button and make the selection of your corrupt/damaged Access database file to import.
• Browse and choose access database file in File Open dialog box. Tap to the Open option to confirm your selection.
• After that, hit the OK for further continuation of the process.
• Make a selection for the objects in Import Objects dialog box and again press the OK option.
• Complete your selected objects to get imported successfully. Press save import steps box and hit the close

Fix–2: Try To Open MS Access Database File In Older Versions

The error unrecognized database format usually happens when the user tries to open the Access 2019/2016/2013 database file in older Access database versions like 2007/2010 etc, In such cases, the user gets error 3343 unrecognized database format.

This happens because the newer Access 2019/2016/2013 database version files make use of the latest indexed process which is incompatible with Access’s older versions like 2007/2010/2002 etc.

Resolution:

To get rid of this unrecognized database format issue in Access 2013, first, ensure the following settings are executed well:

File>Options>General>Creating Database>New Database sort order

Also assure that General>Legacy settings are followed, as the Access 2010 will not open with the “General” format.

Users also need to convert the 2013 database to the 2010 database file. By making use of Access 2013 and after the successful alteration of the database, open the database in a previous version like Access 2010.

Please Note: It is recommended not to keep two different versions of MS Access on the same database file, as there are ample chances of Access file corruption.

Also Read: Fix: Run Time Error 3151 ODBC Connection Failed!

Fix–3: Troubleshoot frxque32.mdb File Issue

• First of all you need to uninstall the frxque32.mdb file and install a new one.
• After then rename the frxque32.mdb file present in the sysdata folder with the name “frxque32.old”.
• Now from the local hard drive search for the frxque32.tpl file.
• It’s time to copy frxque32.tpl file within sysdata folder.
• Tap to the “yes” option for swapping the existing frxque32.tpl file with the new one.
• After then rename frxque32.tpl file by assigning the name frxque32.mdb.
• In the end, restart your PC to save up all the changes.

Fix–4: Using Compact And Repair Inbuilt Utility Tool

If the error 3343 unrecognized database format is occurring due to oversizing of the database or due to some minor issues of the database. Then you must run the Compact and repair the inbuilt utility tool of the Access database.

This manual method is the first and best step to troubleshoot minor Access database corruption issues and for reducing Access file size safely and securely.

Well, you can read more about the efficiency of this free Access database inbuilt tool in this article: Things That Compact And Repair Access Database Tool  Can Do…!

Here is the complete step to use the Compact and repair utility tool for fixing runtime error 3343:

1: First you need to open up your MS Access program.

2: After that make a hit on the Database Tools tab.

3: now press the Compact and Repair Database option.

4: in the opened Database to Compact From the dialog box, search for your problem encountering the MS Access database file. So, make the selection of such files and then hit the compact option.

5:  it’s time to create a new database in Compact Database Into dialog box. So, assign a name to your file and then press the Save option.

After this, the inbuilt utility tool compacts the database and starts repairing queries, indexes, tables, and other data that is available in the database. This is the best way to repair errors in the access database but in some cases, this fails also. So in this case you can make use of the automatic solution to repair errors in the Access database.

Note:

Before attempting to try this inbuilt tool, it’s recommended to take a proper backup of your database file. Also, make sure that no other user is currently been using the same database file on which you are performing a compact and repair method.

Fix 5: Try The Backup Option

Another very common reason behind “unrecognized database format error” is the corruption of the Access database. Though corruption is a common issue this is not something that can’t be repaired.

HELPFUL ARTICLE: 5 Ways To Backup And Restore Access Database In 2007/2010/2013/2016?

If your database gets corrupted then you can recover the stored data in the Access database easily with a valid backup. But if you are not have the updated and proper backup then, in that case, move to our next solution i.e making use of the Access repair & recovery tool.

Fix 6: Automatic Solution To Fix Microsoft Access Error 3343 Unrecognized Database Format

Access Repair & Recovery is one such software that is particularly designed to repair corrupt MS Access database files. This software comes with a powerful algorithm that scans even severely corrupted Access database files. 

• You can easily restore corrupted or damaged indexes, queries, tables, and other data.
• Easily fix all types of major or minor and major database problems and errors.  
• Supports almost all versions of MS Access 2019, 2016, 2013, 2010, 2007, 2003, 2002, 2000, and Windows operating systems such as Windows 10/8/7/Vista/XP/2003.
• Its interactive GUI works great to easily operate and repair the Access database without making any changes to its original structure. 
• A free trial version is available that you can install to check the features and reliability of the software.

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Steps to Recover Corrupted or Damaged MS Access Database

Fix 7: Assign Adequate Permissions To Access The Database

Upgrade of the Windows server from Windows 2003 to Windows 2008 R2 also leads to generating this Access unrecognized database format error. After upgrading the Windows server only the domain administrator can open the MS Access database. If any other user tries to open their access database file on the same server then they will surely receive “Unrecognized Database Format, database is corrupt or in an inconsistent state” error.

Solution:

• If a domain admin with complete access authority can open the Access database on Windows server, the issue is specifically with the permission assigned to the domain or to the folder where the Access database is mainly located.

Assigning complete permission on the network share will work superbly in resolving the Access Unrecognized Database Format error.

• If you are still getting the same issue then assign the Local Admin rights to entire users present on that specific server.
• Lastly, check the custom permissions on the database which displays the ‘unrecognized database format’ error.

As a primary check, make sure that the domain administrator must ensure the following points:

• Users must be logged in within the domain where your Access database is placed.
• Users must have local or custom admin rights for accessing the database as per the requirement.

Fix 8: Avoid Using Access 2016 Along With The Visual Studio 2012

Another reason behind the occurrence of unrecognized database errors is when the user tries to use the Access 2016 database meanwhile working with Visual Studio 2012.

Well, the sequence of events must be in the following way:

1. The user chooses the Dataset database model and the Database source type.
2. The software will ask you for which Access database connection you want to use. If the user hits the “New User”, and selects the Microsoft Access Database File (suppose in this case, OLE DB is selected).
3. After that, the applications confirm of database connection type which the user wants to use. This time user has to select “New Connection.”
4. Now select the file name “Microsoft Access Database File (OLE DB)”.
5. After displaying the filename user will choose the appropriate file like “xyz.accdb”
6. Now the user has to check the connection by hitting the Test Connection, this leads to generating an “unrecognized database format error.

In such a case, the problem arises mainly due to the difference created online provider by the Microsoft Ace OLE DB version or line provider.

So by installing the upgraded version within the server explorer will surely fix the issue

Solution:

In the above case, we need to upgrade Microsoft.ACE.OLEDB.4.0 to Microsoft.ACE.OLEDB.12.0.

For updating, you need to connect the Access 2016 database with the help of the below steps:

• Add new Data source and hit Database>
• Now go to the New Connection and hit the Microsoft Access Database File.
• Choose ACCDB file.
• Hit the Advanced option to modify the provider’s name.
• Hit the OK button to add up the connection windows. Also to test the connection and make verification of it.

Note: The earlier version won’t support the database ACCDB file format. So you need to have the Microsoft.ACE.OLEDB.12.0 and not Microsoft.Jet.OLEDB.4.0.

Frequently Asked Questions:

How Do I Fix Unrecognized Database Format in Access?

To fix an unrecognized database format in Access, try the below tips:

1. Open a Database File in the Correct Version.
2. Rename the Database File.
3. Convert Your Database File to ACCDB File Format.
4. Run the Compact & Repair Tool.
5. Free Up Disk Space.
6. Update the Microsoft Access.

How To Recover MS Access Database File?

You can recover MS Access database files by using the sophisticated Access Database Recovery Tool.

What Is the Format of Microsoft Access Database?

accdb is the format of the Access database.

How Do I Fix an Access Database Error?

To fix an Access database showing an error:

1. Restore from Backup: Use a recent backup to restore the database.
2. Compact and Repair: Open Access, go to “File,” select “Compact & Repair Database,” and try opening again.
3. Decompile: Create a shortcut with “/decompile,” open the database, and perform Compact & Repair.

Final Thoughts

Fixing Microsoft Access error 3343 unrecognized database format is a critical aspect of maintaining a robust database. Nevertheless, by applying the solutions stated in this blog, you can fix this issue & enhance the overall database performance.

In addition, if you come across any other issue, do share it with us on our FB & Twitter accounts.

Thanks for reading!