Can't decrypt Access mdb file?

Question

I'm caught in a catch-22 with Microsoft Access. I'm trying to open an old mdb file, which has a password.

Luckily I have the password, and I have downloaded Access 2007 so I can open the file, but it is prompting me to update to a more recent version. However, in order to update to a more recent version, I have to decrypt the file. But in order to decrypt, I have to update. See the problem? Any suggestions here? I'm so stuck.

Thanks

Answer 1

Hi Elayna,

Based on your sharing, the key issue is that the old .mdb often use older Jet/Access encryption while newer Access versions use the new .accdb encryption model. Therefore, the recommended route is to open it in older Access version that can still read it, remove the password then convert forward.

Before trying anything, I suggest make a back-up copy first to prevent any unexpected problems that may cause the data to be lost.

Option 1: Use Access 2007 "Open Exclusive"

• Open Access without opening the database
• Go to Office button/File > Open > select the .mdb file > click the small arrow next to Open > select Open Exclusive in the dropdown
• Enter the database password
• Then you can decrypt database by going to File > Info > Decrypt Database > Unset Database Password > enter the password and click OK
• Now you can use Save As/Convert to save the file as .accdb file

Option 2: Use Access 2002-2003 as a "bridge" version

If the file is really old like Access 97, newer Access versions may not convert it directly and refuses with something like "you must upgrade/convert this database first". In case like that, you need to convert it to a newer version using Access 2003 first then convert that .mdb to .accdb format.

• Open the Access 97 file in Access 2003
• Go to Tools > Database Utilities > Convert Database > choose Access 2002-03 file format (.mdb) > save with a new filename and close the database
• Then converting it to .accdb format using Access 2007: File > open the converted .mdb file > Save As > Save Database As > choose Access Database (.accdb) > Save

You can try these steps and let me know if it works for you. If not, please feel free to reach out again in the comments on this post. I'm happy to assist you further and we can work together to find out a solution.

Thank you for your understanding and cooperation. I'm looking forward to your reply.

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