I can't open a database

Question

I'm trying to open a database using access. When I open error comes up saying : "Cannot open database. It may not be a database that your application recognizes, or the file may be corrupt"

I tried MS Office 2007 and 2010

Thanks

Answer 1

Before you do that (always try the simple stuff 1st)

When you go to the external data option, instead of importing, try linking one or two tables and see if that works.

If it does you can run a query to bring the data into a new DB

Worth a try ;-)

Answer 2

size of the database is 1,28 mb. The other thing didn't help too, because when I select the DB and press OK it shows this error.

I'll try that link.

Thanks

Answer 3

In the new database

Select the External Data option (tab)

Select Access Database

Browse to your old database

Select one table and try and import this

if this works then do the same again but on another table

Keep doing this until you find something that will not import

EDIT

Just had a thought - in wondows explorer

see what size the DB is as it may have bloated whilst you were working on it ??

You could also see if any of the tips here will help

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/310937

You could always try and decomplie the old DB from the start/run menu but this way may lead to loseing some of the data.  Best bet would always be to try and import the tables/forms/etc and see where it stops.  Then bring everything (to the new DB) that is OK - at least then you'll have a backup (of most of the old DB)  if the decomplie messes up everything.

Answer 4

unfortunately it shows the same message when I'm trying to import everything from the old database using External Data option.

How can I do the second option ?

Answer 5

You could try createing a new database and then use the External Data option.  Select the old database and import everything.

If this doesn't work then next time just import the tables.  Then try importing the queries, the forms then reports,  etc, etc.

This way you "may" find out which item is causing the problem.