When Access database gets corrupted, you may get various errors while opening or working on the database. It may even happen that you are unable to access the database. Access database file corruption can be caused by some factors such as Access application crash, hardware failure, software issues, unexpected system shutdown, power failure, sudden exit of Access application, virus or malware attacks, storage disk issues, or other causes.
No matter what is the cause of corruption, it is important to repair the corrupted database and recover the data. This article describes some simple methods to repair Access database files (.ACCDB and .MDB files) and recover the data.
Microsoft Access Database Repair and Data Recovery Methods
Follow the methods below to repair corrupted or damaged Access database and recover all data.
Method 1: Restore from a backup
Restoring the database file from a backup is one of the easiest methods to recover data. If you have a recent, clean backup of your Access database, you can restore it from the backup and replace it with the damaged database. Here you will learn how to restore the database from a backup:
- Open thefile explorer your system.
- Locate the folder where the Access database file backup is located.
- Copy and paste the backup file into the folder where the affected database file is stored.
- Click on To allow when asked if you want to replace the existing copy of the database.
Method 2: Importing Data from a Corrupted Access Database into a New Database
Importing data into a new database is another method of recovering data from a damaged Access database file. It involves creating a new, empty database file into which the data from the damaged file is then imported. This operation recreates the structure of the database file, including objects, forms, tables, queries, and other objects.
Steps to import data from corrupted .ACCDB/.MDB files to new database file:
- Open your Access application.
- Click the option External data, And then Import an Access database.
- In the dialog box Retrieve External Data – Access Database, select the option Browse to select the problematic database.
- Then click on the option " Import tables, forms, reports, macros and modules into the current database.
- Select the required objects (tables, reports, forms, modules, macros, etc.) from the database that you want to import into the new database.
- Click on OKAY.
Method 3: Run the Compact and Repair tool
Microsoft Access has a built-in feature – Compact and Repair – that can repair corrupted Access database files. This tool can help fix minor database corruption issues. Here are the steps to use the Compact and Repair tool:
- Open the Microsoft Access application.
- In the window Models, double-click on the option Empty database.
- Click on File, And then Close.
- Accounts Manager Database Toolsthen Compact et repair the database.
- In the window Database to compress, select the database at repair. Then click Compress.
- Select the location where you want to save the repaired database file and click Save.
Method 4: Use a third-party Access repair utility
If you are unable to repair the database files using the Compact and Repair tool, try using a Access repair tool Advanced such as Stellar Repair for Access. This tool is designed to repair severely damaged .MDB/ACCDB files. Its user interface is simple and does not require any technical assistance. The tool recovers all objects from the damaged database file including macros, tables, forms, etc. and saves them in a new database. You can download the free demo version of the tool to scan and preview the damaged database file.
Conclusion
To repair corrupted Microsoft Access database files and recover data, follow the above-mentioned methods. You can use the Compact and Repair tool to repair minor database damage. However, if the database file is severely damaged, you need to use a professional Access repair tool such as Stellar Repair for Access. With this DIY tool, you can quickly repair severely damaged Access database files without changing the original data. The tool supports Office 365, Access 2019, 2016, 2013 and earlier versions.
