How to Recover Corrupt Access Database? Quick Fix

What are Access Database Files?

Microsoft Access is a relational database management system (RDBMS) developed by Microsoft. Files created by MS Access are called Access Database Files. These files typically have two types of extensions- .accdb for newer versions of Access or .mdb for older ones. The files contain structured data organized into tables, queries, forms, reports, macros, and modules. Further, users can create, modify, and manipulate data within these files.

But what happens when these Access Database Files face corruption? How can you recover corrupt access database files? However, you must figure out the possible causes before finding a solution. So, read the following section.

What Causes an Access Database to be Corrupted?

Repair corrupted Access Database as soon as possible before you lose more important data. Here are the reasons why the Access Database file is getting corrupt:

• If you are performing unsupported operations on the database. Eg:- forceful termination of database processes.
• Frequently modifying and accessing MDB files cause fragmentations and thus Access Database files get corrupt.
• With constant modification, the size of the MDB file increases. Failure to properly manage them increases the risk of corruption.
• When multiple users work on a single database platform, in addition to various Jet Services.
• Access Database files get exposed to external threats like Viruses or Malware intrusion can also be a possible reason.
• Moreover, hardware failure, bugs, or glitches in the database management software, and improper shutdown can also cause MDB file corruption.

It is important to use reliable antivirus software and ensure proper shutdown procedures, to protect MDB files from corruption. Additionally, maintain the integrity of hardware and software systems. Apart from this, even if such a mishap occurs, you can recover corrupt access database from a backup. So, make sure you regularly create a backup of your Access Database file.

Further, let us proceed to the procedure section.

Different Methods to Repair Access Database Files

This section will discuss some manual methods to fix corrupt Access Database files. However, you must note that these methods are good for minor corruption. Therefore, to tackle severe corruption in MDB files, we suggest using a powerful automated tool.

#1. Use the ‘Compact and Repair’ Feature

The first and foremost option to repair corrupted Access Database file is using the Compact and Repair feature of the application. This process helps you recover a corrupt database in case you don’t have a backup copy. However, here are two scenarios while you recover corrupt access database:

• Accessible Database, and
• Inaccessible Database.

Scenario 1:

If your database is still accessible and you haven’t saved any changes, you can follow the steps below:

1. While your Access database is open, click on File.
2. In the window that appears, go to the Info page and select Compact & Repair.
   
3. Access will create a compacted and repaired copy of the database at the same location as the original.

Scenario 2:

If your database is inaccessible and you can’t open it, follow these steps to repair corrupted Access Database:

1. Open Microsoft Access. You will see the template screen.
2. Now, double-click on the Blank database.
3. Once opened, click on File > then Close to exit the database.
4. Next, click on Database Tools and then Compact & Repair Database Tool.
   
5. The ‘Database to Compact From’ dialog box opens.
6. Locate and select the corrupt Access database file. Click on Compact.
   
7. Further, specify a new name for the compacted and repaired database. Click Save.

Once the process is complete, an identical copy of the repaired database file is created. It is saved in the location where the original database file was saved.

Note:

Before you begin to repair corrupt MDB file or ACCDB file, please note that:

• The database file should not be in use by anyone.
• The steps mentioned above are for MS Access 2013, 2016, and 2019.

#2. Recover Corrupt Access Database from a Backup File

You can also restore Access Database files from the backup copy. However, this process is viable only if you have been creating a backup copy regularly. It is essential to have a current and valid backup of your Access database. Follow the steps below:

1. Go to File Explorer and find the backup copy of the Access Database file.
2. Select the database file backup copy and Copy it (or press Ctrl+C).
3. Now, go to the location where the corrupt database file is saved.
4. Right-click in the folder and select Paste (or Ctrl+P).
5. You will receive a prompt asking if you want to replace the existing database file with the copied backup.
6. Confirm and replace the corrupt database with the backup copy.

#3. Transfer Corrupt Database Objects into a New Database

Here is another suggested way to recover corrupt Access Database. You can transfer objects from the corrupt Access Database to a new Access 2010 database file. Follow the steps provided below:

• Firstly, open the MS Access application.
• Now, go to File, click on New, and double-click Blank Database.
• After creating a blank database, click on the External Data tab.
• Open the New Data Source drop-down, in the Import and Link section.
• Click on the From Database options and then Access in the menu.
  
• The Get External Data– Access Database dialog box appears.
• Next, click on the Browse… button and find the corrupt database.
  
• From the options given below, choose how and where you want to save the current database objects.
• In the next window, choose all database objects you need to import. Click Ok.
• Finally, you can Save the import steps, or click on Close.

Hence, you have recovered corrupt database objects by transferring them to a new database. There are many more such procedures to help you repair database files of MS, but we are proceeding to the only reliable solution.

Well, these manual procedures also have certain limitations, such as:

• Cannot fix severe Access Database corruptions.
• Procedures may vary for different versions of MS Access.
• Lengthy process to perform thus time taking too.

Therefore, we have found a more relevant and satisfying method to repair Access database files and recover their objects.

#4. Best Method to Repair and Recover Corrupt Access Database Files

The MigrateEmails Access Database Repair is an unparalleled solution to fix corrupt ACCDB/MDB files. No matter which version of MS Access you use, or how severely MDB files are corrupt, the tool recovers effectively. Moreover, you can preview all recovered objects before saving them. The tool proficiently recovers objects including tables, queries, forms, reports, deleted records, and more. Additionally, the tool offers multiple features to support smooth and quick recovery.

Follow the procedure as stated to repair corrupt MDB files and recover objects:

1. Run the MS Access Repair and Recovery Tool.
2. Click on Open and select the corrupt MDB/ACCDB file.
3. Now, select the recovery mode as per the level of corruption. Tap OK.
   
4. Preview the recovered database objects and select the.
5. Click on Save to save all the recovered data as a new database files.
   

So, now you can compare the professional tool and the manual method and choose one that suits your preferences. The tool also has a user-interactive GUI, which you can test using the free demo version.

Conclusion

So, which method will you choose to recover corrupt access database? Certainly, it depends on the severity of the corruption. Users generally prefer free manual procedures to fix minor corruption. However, it is always recommended to use a professional tool for secure, swift, and smooth recovery of database objects. Before you purchase the premium tool, evaluate the tool’s functionalities using the demo version. Furthermore, practice keeping a current backup of database files, and avoid losing important data.

About The Author:

Kiran Sharma

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