Lost my database

[Pat Hunter]

Hello. This is all my fault but maybe you can answer this question. I created a database with loads of fields in Access. (it's the first time I have ever used the program) I saved the original file with the new fields and proceeded to enter my data. Unfortunately, I closed the program without saving the information that I had been inputting. Here is the question: Does Access do "saves" behind the scene? Does Access create a temporary temp file? Thank you. I'm a bit desperate for the info that I have lost.

[RuralGuy]

How did you close the program. Were you entering values directly into the table? Have you tried to open the database again? What was the result?

[davegri]

Yes it does. Access is very good at preserving user input.
Have you looked at the data directly in your tables?
How are your entering data? Are you using forms that you created?

[Pat Hunter]

In reply to davegri: Yes, I have entered the data in my tables. Unfortunately, when I reopened my file it defaulted to a stock template and the extra fields that I had created disappeared. Also, and probably worse, I hit the 'do not save' button on exiting the file by accident after inputting hours of data. This is all my fault. I know better. I just hope that Access creates temp files every ten or fifteen minutes.

In reply to RuralGuy: When I reopened the file it opened the default template instead of the template that I had modified. I hope I am being clear. Yes, I was entering data into the modified fields. When I attempted to reopen the file I lost all of my modified fields.

[Pat Hunter]

I have used Coreldraw for over 15 years. Corel is buggy but saves temp files every few minutes. If Corel ever crashed on me - which it has done a million times - I'd just find the last auto-saved file and open it up and get back to work. I hope that Access auto-saves files and if it does. Where would I find those autosaves?

[davegri]

If you have Windows 10 File History turned on, you might find copies of the database there. Access has no inherent backup like other Office programs.

[Pat Hunter]

Hello davegri: This is certainly not what I wanted to hear but ...........my fault and oh, well. File history in Windows 10 is turned off. I guess I am out of luck and I'll start over with a Google program. Thanks for your quick replies.

[Micron]

Maybe I'm reading something into this that is not really there, but I think you are opening Access and not your file. Maybe it's defaulting to a template, but I can't say if that's an option or not. You said you entered data, and here's my problem with the conclusions so far. When you create a db from scratch or from a template you have to give the file a name (save) before you can even begin - so it exists before you can even start. Then, to create or modify a table, you have to save it before you can enter data - so it exists. If you close the db at this point there will be no prompt since there's nothing to save, and that table will be there upon reopening.

Since you entered data directly into tables, you cannot do this without saving the row when you move onto the next - it happens automatically. If you don't move on to the next row, a decision is forced upon you if you try to close. Even if you add a record to a table and move off of the row, then close the db, there is no prompt and that record is there when you reopen.

IMHO, I think you need to look for your file, or scrutinize the Access screen when it opens, for the option to reload your file or to go and find it. That you could enter data and lose the entire file because you didn't do a save makes no sense. The only thing you could have lost is one record, or a design change if you responded no to a prompt.