Best Way to Use an Access 2003 Database Now?

[Access Rookie]

We have an Access database (and Reports) that was created back then in Access 2003 by someone who is long gone.



We now have a W10 Desktop without Access 2003.

We are users (and not very Access-savvy).

What is the best way for us to run this Database now? (We are most concerned about compatibility since we no longer have the developer.)

All we're trying to do is to continue to use the old database and reports.

Thanks for any advice!

Alan

[CJ_London]

2003 will install and run without a problem in win10. Your problem will be if you do not still have the installation disks/licence code for Access 2003.

[Micron]

2003 will install and run without a problem in win10. Your problem will be if you do not still have the installation disks/licence code for Access 2003.

As long as the db is not using replication. If it does, likely you will need some help to undo that because 2016 will not open a replicated db.

We now have a W10 Desktop without Access 2003.

This means no Access or just not 2003 version? A newer version will open it but will suggest that you "upgrade" this to a newer format. DO NOT do anything of the sort to your db unless you kept a backup copy.

[Access Rookie]

Thank you, Ajax.

I just ordered a copy of Access2003 (with the Key!).

After I install it, I will share my progress.

Thanks again,

Alan

2003 will install and run without a problem in win10. Your problem will be if you do not still have the installation disks/licence code for Access 2003.

[Access Rookie]

Thanks, Micron.

I've just ordered a copy of Access 2003 (we had been running the DB with something called a RunTimeAccess2007, and the DB worked fine, but W10 Update doesn't like that program ===> error message, so I Uninstalled the RT Access.)

I will share my progress when I install Acc2003.

Thanks again,

Alan

[Micron]

I've just ordered a copy of Access 2003

Have to wonder about that. Any particular reason you didn't go for something at least a bit newer, like 2010?
16 years behind is a lot - for a new installation.

[Access Rookie]

Hi Micron,

The answer is that we are terrified anything newer might mess up our DB and, since we have no developer friend any more, we want to avoid that.

We are aware we could "SAVE AS 2003" in a newer Access Version, but we're kind of gun shy.

(One more thing: this is not a business DB. It is a fantasy baseball DB we all use for our hobby.)

FWIW, the Access 2003 cost only $20.

We hadn't thought of this, but your question makes me wonder if installing 2003 now might cause W10 problems?

Thanks,

Alan

Have to wonder about that. Any particular reason you didn't go for something at least a bit newer, like 2010?
16 years behind is a lot - for a new installation.

[Micron]

Operating systems are not my forte so I can't speculate other than to point out that the software roadside is littered with apps that wouldn't run after a Windows update. So far, Access hasn't been one of them. That this is not a business db that can expose other businesses to macro related viruses suggests zero liability for you, which was partly behind my comment.

Any newer version should run 2003 db without issues but I'm not sure of the meaning behind your Save As comment. You don't routinely do a File > Save on a db; you save object changes (from ribbon) as you go. Nor do you use that to save records.

It sounds like you would be ok with your current plan.

[Access Rookie]

Just wanted to close this out, as I promised...

Everything's working perfectly.

I installed Access 2007 (purchased for $20 on ebay) because it was our cheapest option (we're retired).

I couldn't have done this without the help of you folks here, especially from my new friend here, "Micron".

I'm very grateful, and very glad I found this forum.

Thanks again!

Alan

[Micron]

I don't think I deserve the accolades based on what little I contributed here, but thanks just the same. Many times have I contributed much more for little or no appreciation at all. In fact, sometimes the feedback has been downright rude instead and I know many others who try to help have experienced the same negativity for their efforts.

You're a breath of fresh air!