Database demands a password when the 'Compact and repair' button clicked.

[jimdharris]

Long standing database with a password; for space reasons the user does a 'Compact and Repair' monthly. User's computer has just upgraded to Windows 10, and now the database demands a Password at that point. But the password which is used to open the database is not accepted. The database is still usable with the proper password, changes can be made to data and design etc - but not Compact and Repair. How do I unlock this glitch?
Any help gratefully received!


Jimdharris
Apologies - my profile needed updating. We are on Access 2016, and now Windows 10

[CJ_London]

have you tried removing the password to see if you can then compact and repair? Also is data in a backend? If so which are you trying to compact? front end or back end?

[jimdharris]

Hi Ajax
I cannot remove the password! The Access Help on passwords tells me to open the database in Exclusive mode, which I have done, and then to go Info>Decrypt database. However the only 2 options on the Info button are Compact and Repair, and Encrypt with Password. Neither of these options will accept the true database password, which I have had to use to open it up!
Data is not in a back end - all in together.

[CJ_London]

Data is not in a back end - all in together.

that is probably be the reason for your problem if you have multiple users. What version of Access is your user using? Also, can you open a new database and copy objects (assuming it accepts the password)

[jimdharris]

Not multiple users - single user only, so little point in separating data into a back end. User's PC is Access 2010. I use Office365 (I'm using a copy of the database emailed to me) and get the same symptoms.
I'm wondering if I have to revert to a backed up copy from a few days ago before the problem occurred.
Yes I could create a blank database and copy objects. Could I copy the whole data structure and all the rest into a new file without password?
What is baffling is that Access seems to have a split mind - it demands and accepts a password to open the file, but then has no option to remove a password, but does have an option to add a password (which won't accept any new password I give it - simply says this is not a valid password).

[CJ_London]

Could I copy the whole data structure and all the rest into a new file without password?

yes

but then has no option to remove a password, but does have an option to add a password

To be clear - which password are you talking about? the one that encrypts the whole database, or the one that protect the vba code?

[jimdharris]

I only know of the existence of the password which (I think) protects the whole database and encrypts it.
Where does one set/unset the vba password?
AS you can tell I am not an Access professional - but our database has done us brilliant service for 8 years.

[CJ_London]

Where does one set/unset the vba password?

in the vba window Tools>Properties

[jimdharris]

Many thanks Ajax for your help.
I have restored the database to its former successful state by creating a new blank database, copying all the elements from the 'broken' database into it, closing it, then opening it exclusive, and setting a password. Now Compact and Repair works, and the password icon is Decrypt, as it should be.