I have an Access-database running with multiple users.
It had one back-end combined with dozens of front-ends of which 5 to 10 would be active simultaneously.
Occasionally, we had a damaged file that would block one of the front-ends. Which was then replaced.
When the damage occurred in the back-end it could double in size, but would still function. It was repaired and compressed once a week.
Over the years the back-end had grown to be close to 0.5 Gb and recently after two events close after each other it even passed 2.0 Gb.
To prevent running into the size limit of Access again, I decided to split the back-end into three separate databases with the largest, after compression, now being reduced to 0.21 Gb.
Following this action, two days ago, there have been multiple damaged files, all in the new, smaller, back-ends blocking the complete function of the database for everyone.
The error that is shown is "unknown database design" followed by one of the back-ends.
The damage may be repaired by Access, but not always. I then have to reinstall a back-up.
What is causing these errors and how can I prevent these from happening?
Will returning to a single back-end reduce these errors?