Open ACCESS file with a mdb. extension

Question

On 14 October 2025 I installed a new Dell CPU with  Win 11 O/S to allow for the fact that Microsoft would no longer support Win 10 on my old Dell 8500 CPU that did not have the configuration necessary to install Win 11.

At the same time I purchased Laplink PC mover  software to copy the files between the two CPUs and also purchased MS Office 2024 on-line and installed it onto the new CPU. All programmes and files (Word, Excel, Outlook Calendar, Access) transferred to the new CPU have been operating satisfactorily.

However, I have been unable to open one ACCESS file with a mdb. extension that hold up to date contact details for everyone I know. Other files with this mdb. extension open satisfactorily. The error message that I receive is “Cannot open a database created with a previous version of your application.” This is, I understand, a compatibility issue. I set up this file around 2000 when I first purchased MS Office that I upgraded to MS Office 2013 in 2015.

I have spent 3-4 hours with three separate MS CHAT representatives (Jude, Alexandra & Shakisha) while they took control of my PC to solve this issue. I was disconnected three times but the last person was able to inform me that at the end of our call that I should contact the dedicated representatives for ACCESS issues. The last case reference number that I have is case number 7092764967.

At Alexandra’s request I have also set up my old CPU that holds the old Win 10 O/S. The file that I want to open is Addresses Global db1.mdb

I shall be pleased if you will assist me open this file.

Answer 1

Hi,

I set up this file around 2000 when I first purchased MS Office that I upgraded to MS Office 2013 in 2015.

All versions of Access from 2013 to 2024 and 365 can open MDBs in the format of Access 2000 or newer. If you get

“Cannot open a database created with a previous version of your application.”

with a modern version like Access 2024, it would mean that the format of the MDB is even older than that of Access 2000, e.g. Access 97. Is that possible?

If yes, then the last version that can open 97 MDBs is Access 2010. For 95 MDBs it is Access 2007. So, to open or convert an MDB of such an old format, you would either need a fitting version of Access or someone with such an old version who converts the file for you.

If you are only interested in the data that's in the tables, not in the application with forms, reports, code etc. then you could also search the web for one of the tools that can read the data of older formats.

Servus
Karl

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Answer 2

Thank you.

It is possible that it was originally opened with Access 1997 on a very old CPU although I installed MS Office 2000 later. Bought a further CPU in 2015 and upgraded to MS Office 2013. Had no problem opening any Access files with mdb.extension. In October 2025 moved from this last CPU with Win 10 to CPU with Win 11. Files copied using Laplink PC mover (also used in 2015) with assistance of their technicians taking over control of PC. All mbd. extension files operating normally except one. Their original creation were all around the same time.

During 7 hours with MS chat we transpossed the Access file to Excel. The resulting data was what had been written by me when I set up the file. The changes that I had written and saved between 2012 and 2015 were not incorporated.