A split MS Access database is a setup where the database is separated into 2 components: a back-end database that contains all the data and a front-end database with all the forms, queries, reports, macros, and modules. Though this design is mainly useful when multiple users need to access the same DB file over a network. However, sometimes, you may need to an unsplit Access database. In this post, I will discuss why you need to do so and how to unsplit MS Access database.
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Why You Need to Unsplit an Access Database?
Before knowing the ways for unsplitting Access database, it’s important to understand why you need to do so. Here are a few reasons:
- Single-User Access– If a single user needs to access the DB file, keeping it unsplit can decrease the overhead of managing 2 separate files.
- Performance– A single unsplit DB file may lead to quicker access speeds.
How To ‘Unsplit’ The Access Database Manually?
Well it’s quite easy to unsplit Access database. For this just follow below mentioned steps.
Way 1#First of all open the back end (mdb with = the tables) and from the front end import all the objects. If in your front-end there is no table then it indicates there is no database relationship between form, queries, modules etc. and if there is no such relationship then you don’t need to do anything.
Way 2# The Second option is, to import the tables from the back end into front end. While doing so, make sure you have opened up your ‘advanced’ tab when you select the tables and make a check over the “”relationships“” box. Also ensure that you have imported all the tables.

But if you have tables in the Front End, you are importing it into the backend. Again make sure have get all the tables and check the Relationship box.
So, all an all it’s very easy to work with a split database. The only difference is that you need to open the back-end file to make design changes to the tables. And also you need to maintain the links to the tables.
Risks Associated With Unspliting Of Access Database
- Chances of Corruption gets higher:
Well splitting is the best ways to avoid Access databases corruption. as split database are less prone to corruption. But after your unspliting Access database this risk gets higher.
- User interface is get tricky to modify:
Because when your database is splitted, testing and implementing like modification in the front end can occur with almost no disruption to users. But after unspliting it all these tasks gets messy.
- Your Data Is Not Safe Anymore
Actually backend helps in protecting off your database design. And this unable user to directly access the tables via the interface objects in the front end. After unspliting MS Access database any of your users can alter or delete tables.
So, unspliting the Access database has negative impact. It will be better to split the database. Perhaps, the biggest advantage of splitting the Access Database is convenient supply of data over network or on the cloud via Access Hosting.
Advantages Of Splitting Database:
By splitting the database, each user has their own copy of form, reports, macros, queries. Hence, the only data that must send across the network is data in tables. So, you need not to worry about any much trouble in your database.
you can also check out our blog on how to split the access database into front and back-end , to get an easy idea on splitting of your Access database.
How To Recover Data From Corrupt Access Database?
If after unspliting Access database somehow your database gets corrupted then in that case what will you do?
Well still there is an option so no need to panic…! That option is Access Repair And Recovery Tool for advanced troubleshooting and solutions of MS Access Database issues. It is the most accepted option to repair corrupted/damaged .accdb and .mdb files, restore each and every data and such as queries, macros, reports, tables, forms, etc. Apart from that it is the best-suited option to fix any kind of error occurred in your Access database.
Frequently Asked Questions:
How To Create Split Form in Access?
To create a split form in MS Access, go to the Create tab, in the Forms group, click More Forms >> Split Form.
When to Split a Database?
When your Access database performance gets slow, to improve its performance and reduce its corruption risk, you need to split Access database front-end and backend.
What Is the Best Way to Split Data?
The best data-splitting tactic is random splitting.
How to Merge Split Database?
To merge a split database, try these methods:
- Open front-end database
- Delete linked tables
- Import the tables from an original back-end database.
Final Thoughts
As you have seen how much straightforward process that this blog has offered to unsplit Access database. However, it’s important to follow the steps accordingly for unsplitting can boost efficiency.
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.
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.