Saturday, August 28, 2010

How to resolve 'database needs to be repaired' error in Access

Using Microsoft Access in a multi-user environment can be a tricky and jolting task. A developer needs to take care of various issues which might crop up if users try to modify the same data or quit unexpectedly. All these and similar activities can pave way for major issues including corruption and data inaccessibility. If an Access database shows symptoms of corruption, then it is required of you to use Compact and Repair utility to fix errors. If this utility fails to rectify the error-laden Access database file and you are struggling to access the vital information stored in an Access database, then you must switch to a clean and updated backup copy. In absence of a usable backup, you have an option to successfully repair corrupt or damaged Access database by using a reliable Access repair software.

Let's consider a scenario, wherein, you have shared an important Access database file over a network. On one instance, when you attempt to open it to extract some information, you might get stunned to receive the following error message:

The database 'filename.mdb' needs to be repaired or isn't a database file.

You or another user may have unexpectedly quit Microsoft Office Access while a Microsoft Office Access database was open.

Do you want Microsoft Office Access to attempt to repair the database?

If you click Yes to allow Access to repair the database, you might stumble upon another issue.

When Access tries to repair the affected database, you may encounter yet another error message (given below), which is a clear indication that the repair process did not succeed in eliminating the errors.

"Unrecognized database format 'filename.mdb'"


Cause
The above errors suggest that the Access Jet engine could read the basic information related to the structure of the affected database, but found some sort of corruption either in the table's data or definitions. The second message was displayed as Access could not repair the table definitions.

The corruption could creep in if users do not follow correct practice to quit or close Microsoft Access application.

Resolution
Since MS Access could not perform Access database repair task, it becomes imperative to download and use a third-party software.

Access repair 2010 software are professional and easy-to-use solutions which assist you in repairing corrupt or damaged Access databases without being dependent on a technician.

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