Unrecognized database format issue - repair file?

[mike_980]

I created a database for my Dad's farm and it was all going well until I have been away for a while. I ensured the DB was backed up properly before I left but he didn't know how to back it up himself apparently so now we are in trouble.



Anyway, one day he went to open the DB and got the "unrecognized database format" message and the file doesn't open at all. The DB was created in Access 2013 and has only ever been used in 2013 (though my Dad uses runtime as he doesn't have a full license like me).

There is a couple of months worth of data which would cause a real headache if it was lost so fixing the file is the best outcome if at all possible, I tried the "compact and repair" from inside access without the DB opened but got the same message. I noticed that there is 3rd party software online claiming to fix all access files but they sound a little too good to be true and a good source of infecting my computer with a virus.

Can anyone offer any help at all?

[ranman256]

Sometimes a db build in the new version cant be opened in an older version.
If you have the 2013 access, create an older version db, copy the tables to the old format, this way they can be used by ALL versions.
But you MUST have the newest Access full version.

[mike_980]

There are no compatibility issues as the only systems using the software are using 2013 (full and runtime). I can't get the data out of the database that's the issue as access won't even open the file on any of my machines without giving the error

[ItsMe]

First and foremost, copy the original file to a safe place ASAP. Then create another copy to try and fix THAT copy.

Have you tried creating a new blank DB and importing the tables from the corrupt file?

[ranman256]

If the tables are 2013 and the Access is 2013 and you repaired the tables... and you're getting this error, then it is D.O.A.
I have had tables corrupt and NOT repair. (rare) But I had a backup. Always have a backup.
You are $#%$d. (if you fix it let me know please , i may need it.)

[mike_980]

You are $#%$d.

I've learnt the hard way on many occasions to never neglect to backup and I am normally pretty good at it but it's always the time you don't when you get caught out! Anyway, I've arrived at the same conclusion as yourself. I have the printed hard copies of the reports so I am using an old version to input the data again from those which is taking all afternoon and alot of it is guess work as the reports don't show everything.

For anyone else who may be in the same situation, I have tried 3 of the pieces of software claiming to fix corruption issues and none of them will read my database, they tell me it isn't a valid format

[NTC]

Access overall is quite robust and I rarely see this happen. The runtime version issue has me a little confused. Is there not a non runtime version that serves as the design master?

ItsMe suggested creating a new blank DB and importing the tables from the corrupt file: this should be attempted.

[tanvi]

Create a new blank database and import all the database objects into the new database. After moving the database, drop the problem database and rename the new database. It should get database back to normal.

There is a 3rd party software named Stellar Access repair. It is able to fix Access database corruption problem. There is a free demo version too.

[darshit_goswami]

Well. here is another way possible.
Right click on db. properties and previous versions .. check if any available. if not then u can try ways suggested above.

[franksmithh88]

If you are facing any issue related to MS Access like you are not able to open access database file then it can be resolved easily by using Kernel for Access Recovery tool. It repairs corrupt MS Access database file. It retrieves the data in previous format. Find more at accessrecoverytool.org