Summary: This guide presents 9 different ways to prevent Access database corruptions. From splitting your database, closing connections to creating the temporary table, these valuable tips can offer your expert assistance. In case corruption happens, you can use the Kernel for Access Database Repair tool with its easy-to-use features and 100% repairing capabilities.
The databases you craft within MS Access are stored as MDB files, which can, unfortunately, fall victim to corruption like any other file format. This susceptibility arises from factors such as binary file errors or corruption flags within the MDB file. When this occurs, users may encounter unexpected disconnects from the application, resulting in an inability to open the Access file. Various error messages may manifest in these situations, as outlined below.
“Unexpected Error 35012″.
“The Microsoft Jet database engine cannot find the input table or query ‘MSysAccessObjects”.
“The Microsoft Jet database engine could not find the object ‘name’. Make sure the object exists and that you spell its name and path name correctly.”
“The database ‘name.mdb’ needs to be repaired or isn’t a Microsoft Access database file.”
Methods to prevent corruption in Access Database
To proactively address this issue, it’s wise to focus on preventing corruption in the first place. Here are some practical strategies to help safeguard your database from potential corruption:
Split your database: When multiple users access the database, consider splitting it into two components: the ‘front-end’ and the ‘back-end.’ The front-end encompasses forms, queries, and reports, while the back-end stores data within tables. Each user’s computer hosts a copy of the front-end, while a shared network folder is utilized to store the back-end tables, facilitating collaborative database use.
Always close connections: When the connections are left open, it will be more likely that an “unexpected” dropped connection will occur. If it’s being used as part of a loop, you should only leave the connection open longer than necessary. This situation requires opening the connection at the start of the loop and closing it at the end. Be sure to close it for every case (including exceptions).
Whenever you’re finished working on a Microsoft Access application or database, close it. In the event that a network connection is lost, leaving the application open leaves the possibility of corruption. Users should always close applications before going home, since nightly backup jobs may fail or corrupt shared files if connections are open.
Exit the database correctly: Make sure to close the database correctly. After completion of tasks, close the application using the Exit option of File menu or Exit option provided by the Access application.
Always use good quality hardware devices: Even minor issues in network connections can potentially corrupt your database. To minimize this risk, it is advisable to utilize high-quality, branded Network Interface Cards (NICs), hubs, and all other network equipment. Avoiding non-branded products with subpar components is the first step in preventing corruption, as the quality of plastic wafers and silicon can significantly impact network stability.
Compact and repair regularly: It is highly recommended to perform the built-in compact and repair function regularly. This proactive step helps prevent corruption and enhances database performance.
Defragment the Hard disk: When dealing with MDB files, defragmenting the hard disk is the most effective approach. Fragmentation is common on disks with limited or no available space, especially when dealing with potentially large MDB files. Addressing fragmentation can significantly improve overall efficiency in your work.
Do not use Memo Data type: It is possible that adding or deleting data to or from Memo Field could result in the database being corrupted. It is recommended that users avoid using this approach since it might adversely affect the database structure or design. If you want to maintain a Memo field in a separate table and link it to the source table via a one-to-one relationship, it is better to do so in a separate table.
Create the temporary table: Using a temporary table, you can handle database corruption problems in MS Access. In Access Database, temporary data files are created as users run complex queries. Consequently, the JET engine is overworked, which results in slow database performance. As a consequence, the database may also become corrupted. When the user performs nested queries, it is better to create temporary tables to prevent such a scenario.
There are two ways to do it, through programming or by using the Make -table query option in the query menu.
Checking the Server Configuration settings: Usually, the main problem users encounter is the server configuration where the shared backend database file is saved. Users in this situation will require the assistance of a specialist. The reasons for this can be many, from server configurations to faulty disc controllers to poorly configured RAID arrays.
Mainly, users can temporarily switch the backend file from one location to another without any hassle. Although, one of the popular NAS devices or a shared folder would be best. It is best to contact the specialist if, by chance, the problem with corruption has not been resolved.
By implementing these straightforward preventive measures, you can proactively thwart most potential issues. Ensure you follow the steps mentioned above and establish an automated backup schedule to further mitigate the risk of data loss.
Even with diligent precautions, Access databases can still encounter corruption unexpectedly. In such scenarios, it becomes essential to rely on a dependable Access Database Repair software for comprehensive recovery. It is strongly recommended to choose a trusted solution like Kernel for Access Repair Tool for reliable and efficient database recovery.
An automated tool to recover data from corrupt Access database
Kernel for Access Database Repair is specifically designed to address corruption issues in Access Database ACCDB and MDB files while efficiently recovering valuable data. It provides two scanning modes for repair and restores a comprehensive range of database elements, including table structures, key internal data structures, memo data, OLE data, table relationships, original formats, and even deleted records and objects.
The software is compatible with databases of all sizes, including password-protected ones, and offers a live preview of the retrieved content for flexible recovery. Kernel for Access Database Repair is available in a free version and supports all widely-used MS Access versions. Its user-friendly interface makes it accessible for professionals of all levels.
Conclusion:
While manual solutions offer preventive measures, they have limitations in repairing corrupted Access databases. In cases of existing corruption, the Access Database Repair software provides an effective solution. It is renowned for its swift recovery of both MDB and ACCDB files, including those that are password-protected, without compromising data integrity. This software offers a preview of the recovered data before saving it to your preferred location. You can also explore its functionality through a trial version.
Glad that you mentioned so many precautions which I can take to avoid any kind of corruption in future. Thanks!