Access 2003, Windows 8.1 - There isn't enough memory to perform this operation

[bazianm]

Hi,

Have an access application (2000 file format, running in 2003) that runs fine in XP. I installed 2003 on Windows 8.1 with 3GB of RAM and whenever I try to open the application, I get the error message "There isn't enough memory to perform this operation. Close unneeded programs and try the operation again."

The application has both internal tables AND tables linked to SQL Server 2008. Don't know if that makes a difference or not, I just thought I would mention it.

Any ideas would be appreciated.

Oh, and before anyone asks, I checked the RAM usage... only 600M used of 3GB.

Thanks in advance

[ItsMe]

I do not believe Office 2003 will work on Windows 8 or 8.1. I recommend installing Access 2013 Run Time on your W8 machine. That is if W8 is using Office 2013

[bazianm]

I do not believe Office 2003 will work on Windows 8 or 8.1. I recommend installing Access 2013 Run Time on your W8 machine. That is if W8 is using Office 2013

Thanks. Access does run. I can access the data. It just won't run the code... Does that make sense?

[ItsMe]

Yes, it does make sense. Office 2003 is not compatible with W8. Therefore, you will experience peculiar behavior when running Access 2003 or any other Office Suite that is version 2003 on a W8 machine.

[orange]

This seems to indicate some people have had success. I haven't tried it myself.

[ItsMe]

I looked at the links and what I get from them is that Office 2003 is not compatible with W8. There are some individuals that discuss limited success (individuals in the Microsoft Forum). But out of the 44 replies in that thread, the one marked as "answer" states, "Microsoft Office 2003 suites and applications aren’t compatible with Windows 8 (or Windows 8 Pro)."

The OP here states they have about as much success as the other 43 posts in the Microsoft forum and is not satisfied with the results. I recommend the free Run Time download for the W8 machine. Develop in 2003, make sure the file is suitable for Run Time, save as 2002-2003 format mdb. Then use the file on the W8 machine using the free Run Time from Microsoft. Download the Run Time version that matches the current Office Install (not 2003).

EDIT:
I have not tried opening mdb files with Access2013 but there is nothing in this link indicating it is not possible. If requested, I can test it on a W8 machine and RT 2013.
http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/l.../cc178954.aspx