logging crashes in Access

[dsmithe]

I have an access database that I inherited that is starting to crash regularly. After the crash the user gets an Unrecognized database format error. The forms and reports are in one database and each user has a copy of that database on their desktop. The tables are in their own database that is stored on the server. The users are not helpful about writing down the error message or remembering what they were doing when it crashed. Is there a way that access can log what access is seeing and doing? I don't want to have to change the program anymore than is necessary as I don't want to introduce any more stability problems. A simple text file that has the date, time, form/report name, button clicked, etc. Anything to help narrow down the problem area.

[ranman256]

I had a db that did that... no log can trap it.
I think a form went corrupt. Just opening it would crash it all.

I created new empty db, imported all objects, EXCEPT the bad form,
imported the form from a backup copy,
compile , compact.
that seemed to solve the crash problem.

[isladogs]

Yes it is possible to log all actions and record all errors.
I have a system which does this and automatically emails me when an error occurs.
It was a lot of work to setup but by doing so, almost all errors were fixed in a short time and I no longer receive error emails. I call that a success.
I can't supply my code but the Smiley Coder has a similar crash reporter available: https://thesmileycoder.com/crash-reporter/

[dsmithe]

@ranman256
If my users would remember what they were doing and what form they were on I would try that.

@isladogs
I will have to try out the Smiley Coder crash reporter.

I am a little surprised that Access doesn't offer something natively. I.e. Start msaccess.exe -v 5 and it logs everything, what button what pressed, what form is current, etc.

Thank you both for your help.