Microsoft Access Databases - How To
Converting your database to the Access 2007 file format
Before installing Microsoft Access 2002/XP on your machine you should try converting your database to the new file format. If the conversion is not successful you may still be able to open your database using Office Access 2007.
Office Access 2007 will open legacy Access file formats however with files in Access 97 file format or older you can open the database, view objects and modify records using Office Access 2007, but design changes are disabled.
Notes
- It is important that you backup your database file before you convert the database to the Access 2007 file format.
- If you share the database with other users contact the Service Desk for assistance in upgrading your database. It is important that all the database users have Office Access 2007 before you convert the database to the Access 2007 file format as you cannot open this file in earlier versions of Access.
Convert an Access 2000 or Access 2002 - 2003 database
To convert an Access 2000 or Access 2002 - 2003 database (.mdb) to the Access 2007 file format (.accdb), you must first open the database in Access 2007 and then save it in the .accdb file format.
- Backup your database file to another location before proceeding with this conversion.
- Click the Microsoft Office Button
, and then click Open. - In the Open dialog box, select and open the database that you want to convert.
Note: If the Database Enhancement dialog box appears, the database is using a file format that is earlier than Access 2000. To continue, see one of the sections that follows: Convert an Access 97 database, Convert an Access 95 database, or Convert an Access 2.0 database.
- Click the Microsoft Office Button , point to Save As, and then, under Save the database in another format, click Access 2007 database.
If any database objects are open when you use the Save Database As command, Access prompts you to close them prior to creating the copy. Click Yes to make Access close the objects, or click No to cancel the entire process. If needed, Access will also prompt you to save any changes.
- In the Save As dialog box, type a file name in the File name box, and then click Save.
Access creates the copy of the database, and then opens the copy. Access automatically closes the original database.
Convert an Access 97 database
When you open an Access 97 database in Office Access 2007, the Database Enhancement dialog box appears. To convert the database to the Access 2007 file format, click Yes. Access then creates a copy of the database in the .accdb format.
- Backup your database file to another location before proceeding with this conversion.
- Click the Microsoft Office Button , and then click Open.
- In the Open dialog box, select and open the database that you want to convert.
- Select Yes on the Database Enhancement dialog box.
- In the Save As dialog box, type a file name in the File name box, and then click Save.
Open an Access 2000 or Access 2002 – 2003 database with Office Access 2007
- Click the Microsoft Office Button , and then click Open.
- In the Open dialog box, select and open the database you wish to use.
- If a Security Warning is displayed:
- Click Options... and click Open the Trust Center at the bottom of the Microsoft Office Security Options window.
- On the Trust Center window select Trusted Locations from the menu.
- Click Allow Trusted Locations on my network at the bottom of the window so this option is ticked.
- Click Add new location, select Browse and navigate to the folder where your database file is located, and click OK.
- Click OK to close the Microsoft Office Trusted Location window.
- Click OK to close the Trust Center window.
Open an Access 97 database with Office Access 2007
You can open the database, view objects and modify records, but design changes will be disabled. If you cannot convert the database to the Access 2007 file format and you need to make design changes you will need to open the database with Access 2002/XP.
- Click the Microsoft Office Button , and then click Open.
- In the Open dialog box, select and open the database you wish to use.
- Select No on the Database Enhancement dialog box.
- If a Security Warning is displayed:
- Click Options... and click Open the Trust Center at the bottom of the Microsoft Office Security Options window.
- On the Trust Center window select Trusted Locations from the menu.
- Click Allow Trusted Locations on my network at the bottom of the window so this option is ticked.
- Click Add new location, select Browse and navigate to the folder where your database file is located, and click OK.
- Click OK to close the Microsoft Office Trusted Location window.
- Click OK to close the Trust Center window.
Installing Microsoft Access 2002/XP
Click the link below and your request will be placed in a queue. The software will be downloaded to this computer (normally within 2 hours) and installed. During the installation process you will not be able to use the PC (approximately 10 minutes).
If you require more information on converting or opening your database file, please contact the service desk on 84357, or online at: http://www.csu.edu.au/division/dit/services/service-desk/