Many of you might have used Access Database in your organization and know about its proprietary Database Management System. Then you might be aware of the fact that just like other files, MDB files are also prone to corruption, which can drastically affect other database files. But how does an MDB file gets corrupt if you have not moved the data here and there? That’s what we’re going to talk about in detail. Let’s first know the reasons for MDB file corruption.
What are the Reasons Behind MDB File Corruption?
Well, there could be multiple reasons behind the corruption of MDB files, some of the main reasons include:
- Interrupted change in data due to network loss. In such cases, the file can be repaired, but some of your data might be missing after it.
- Hardware failures are another reason behind MDB corruption.
- If you make frequent edits to Memo fields, the chances of Access database corruption increases.
- When a corrupted file is used by Access Database, the infection will spread to the entire database.
- Due to improperly designed third-party plugins installed on your system.
Error Messages When MDB Gets Corrupt
When your Access Database gets corrupt, you can receive the following error messages on your screen:
- Unrecognized Database Format 'filename.mdb' (Error 3343)’.
- The database 'filename.mdb' needs to be repaired or isn't a database file (Error 2239).
- Do you want Microsoft Office Access to attempt to repair the database?
- The Microsoft Jet database engine could not find the object 'xxxx.' Make sure the object exists and that you spell its name and the path name correctly (Error 3011)
- Record(s) cannot be read; no read permission on 'XXXX' (Error 3112).
- Cannot open database 'filename.mdb.' It may not be a database that your application recognizes, or the file may be corrupt (Error 3049).
- Invalid field data type (Error 3259).
- Microsoft Access has detected that this database is in an inconsistent state and will attempt to recover the database. During this process, a backup copy of the database will be made, and all recovered objects will be placed in a new database. Access will then open the new database. The names of objects that were not successfully recovered will be logged in the “Recovery Errors” table (Error 9505).
- The database cannot be opened because the VBA project contained in it cannot be read. The database can be opened only if the VBA project is first deleted. Deleting the VBA project removes all code from modules, forms, and reports. You should back up your database before attempting to open the database and delete the VBA project (Error 29081).
These are the common errors that you might encounter when your MDB files get corrupt. However, there are many other errors that can occur when your MDB file is corrupted.
Pre-requisites of Repairing Corrupt MDB Files
Before planning to repair MDB files, users must verify the following things:
- Take a backup of all data: Create multiple copies of your MDB files to avoid data loss. There’s a chance Access can remove some of the damaged data from the tables to repair corrupt MDB files.
- Avoid use of MDB files during repair: During the repair process of MDB files, exclusive access of the database is needed so that workflow isn’t disrupted. Communicate with all employees to let them know about the repair process so that the operation can run uninterrupted.
- Get all the required permissions: Make sure that you have administrator permissions to run the compact and repair database operation. If you don’t have necessary permission, contact your organization’s Global Administrator.
How to Repair Repairing Corrupt MDB Files?
Moving to solutions for repairing corrupt/damaged MDB files, there are not many options available. The only way to repair Access Database is to send the database to a recovery company or call the experts to fix it. However, you can try some manual techniques to try and repair corrupt MDB file if the damage is minor.
Method 1. Repair MDB Files Once It Closes
You can select the Compact on Close option to automatically compact and repair MDB files as soon as it closes. However, this option only works on the current file that’s open.
- Click on File > Options.
- Choose Current Database in the Access Options dialog box.
- Tick the Compact on Close checkbox in the Application Options section.
- Re-open the database to see if the damage is repaired.
Method 2. Repair MDB Files That Are Inaccessible
This method works well for MDB files that are inaccessible or can’t be opened at the present moment.
- Make sure that the corrupt MDB file is not in use currently.
- Then open Access and go to Templates.
- Double-click on Blank Database and choose File > Close.
- Click on Database Tools and select Compact and Repair Database.
- Choose the database that you want to repair in the Database to Compact from dialog box.
MDB File Repair for Severely Damaged Access Databases
The first step after discovering MDB file corruption is to repair it with the Corrupt and Repair Database command. However, if manual recovery of the database isn't possible in case of severe corruption, a dedicated Access Database Repair tool usually helps to recover all the data and restore the files to the original state.
Kernel Access Database Repair is one such MDB repair tool that repairs severely corrupt MDB files and recovers all the file data like tables, reports, and queries, etc.
To avoid MDB file corruption in the future, it is best that you learn how to prevent Access Database corruption and safeguard your data.;Ending Notes
MDB file corruption can be easily repaired with the right methods and can prevent permanent data loss. With our expert assistance, we hope you are able to follow the given methods to repair MDB files. Also, keep in mind the different errors you might face in MDB files. For further assistance, use a trusted MDB file repair tool. Gte your free trial today to know about the features of the tool.
