How to Fix MS Access Database Corruption? EDB & MDB Files

Reasons for MS Access Corruption

MS Access database gets corrupted by several causes: hardware malfunctions, software crashes, and more often, user errors. Here are a few examples:

• An unexpected loss of power in any operation involving MS Access databases results in corruption.

• Sudden shutting down of the database or system without saving the data.

• Simultaneous access by several users, particularly without proper locking mechanisms.

• Malicious software could target database files, and corrupt or delete important data.

• Excessive accumulation of temporary files in the system.

These causes can help users prevent corruption of the database and maintain integrity in their Access files.

Manual Methods to Recover Corrupt MS Access Database

Recovering a corrupted MS Access database is important to get the database functional again and for data integrity. Below are some detailed manual methods to address the problem of database corruption. These techniques use built-in features and systematic approaches to solve problems effectively.

1. Use the Compact and Repair Tool

To fix this corruption in MS Access, use Compact and Repair Tool. it is a built-in utility to fix minor corruption issues by reducing the size of the database.

Steps:

1. Firstly, download and open the MS Access in your defined system.

2. Now, go to the info section and choose the file option.

3. Here, from the available options choose the compact and repair option.

4. After that, select the corrupted database file that you want to repair.

5. In the end, select the OK option to begin the process.

Benefits:

• It enhances the database performance by correcting minor corruptions.

• Also, it frees the unused space by removing and reorganizing the file.

2. Import Data into a New Database

If the corruption reaches the extent of affecting the structure of the database, a new database can be developed. Copying to that can isolate the issue and solve it.

Steps:

1. Open MS Access on your default system & create a new blank database.

2. Now, open the External Data tab > Import & Link.

3. After that, access the database, and choose the corrupted db file.

4. Select the objects you want to import: tables, queries, forms, etc.

5. Lastly, import objects incrementally and test each to determine which is corrupted.

Benefits:

• Allows selective recovery of non-corrupted objects.

• Helps identify problematic objects, that need manual rebuilding.

3. Restore from Backup to Avoid MS Access Database Corruption

One of the easiest recovery methods from corrupted databases is restoring a recent backup.

Steps:

1. Find your most recent database backup file.

2. Replace the corrupted database file with the copy from the backup.

3. Open the backup file in MS Access to check its integrity.

Benefits:

• Restores the database to the last working state.

• Reduces data loss as long as frequent backups are conducted.

4. Split the Database

Divide the database into front-end and back-end files to isolate corruption and obtain stability.

Steps:

1. Launch MS Access on your system and select the database you want to split.

2. Now, access the Database Tools and select Access Database Splitter.

3. Here, follow the wizard to split your database into a front-end file containing queries, forms, and reports and a back-end file containing tables

4. In the end, rejoin your front-end file to your back-end file to get your functionality in place

Benefits:

• Isolate corruption to specific parts of your database.

• Improves performance, and reduces risks of future corruption.

5. Remove or Rebuild Corrupted Objects

Database problems can be solved by manually identifying and removing corrupted objects.

Steps:

1. Open the database and identify objects that are suspected of causing errors.

2. After that, export your non-corrupted objects to a new database.

3. Lastly, recreate the corrupted objects manually in the new database.

Benefits:

• Recover uncorrupted data and objects

• Can rebuild problematic objects for better stability.

6. Check for Conflicting Software or Add-Ins

Conflicting add-ins or software interferes with the working and functionality of a database.

Steps:

1. Firstly, disable all the third-party add-ins and software, that affect MS Access.

2. Now, open the database again. Check if the issue is resolved.

3. In the end, remove or update the software that may be interfering with MS Access.

Benefits:

• It prevents interference from incompatible software or add-ins.

• Simplifies the recovery process of a database by removing external conflicts.

Limitations to Solve MS Access Database Corruption Manually 

Restoring a database using manual processes in MS SQL Server involves a long procedure and elaborate process. It is effective for minor issues and would not benefit from the following significant shortcomings:

• Large databases take time to restore.

• Manual recovery doesn't repair the corruption in the database.

• Without a backup, recovery is not possible with this method.

• Incomplete or obsolete backup data may lead to lost data.

• Log file repair or recreating demands a lot of experience.

• Compatibility issues will occur if different versions of the server are restored for databases.

• A lack of skills will increase the chances of mistakes.

While manual restoration methods are affordable and easily accessible, their shortcomings make them not ideal for critical or large-scale recovery tasks. For smooth and reliable database restoration, professional Database Recovery Tools are recommended. These tools can handle corruption, recover lost data, and make the process much easier.

Professional Methods to Restore Database in MS SQL Server

This automated tool is much more efficient than manual techniques. To rectify the restoring errors, MS Access Database Recovery Tool is a good solution. The Access Database Recovery supports deleted server objects such as tables, stored procedures, functions, and triggers for restoration. Supports recovery from all MS Access server versions. This yields smooth and powerful recovery without tampering with the data integrity.

Steps to Solve MS Access Database Corruption are as follows:

1. Download and install the Aryson Access Database Recovery on your system.

2. After that, select the corrupted file from your local drive.

3. Now, choose the recovery option according to your needs.

4. Then, expand the file and preview it to avoid any chance of data loss.

5. Here, provide the destination location to save the output file.

6. In the end, click on the save option to save the restored version of the file.

Conclusion

Many businesses rely on the MS Access database for their operations, so any problem with it can be very disruptive. And now we have resolved the main issue is of MS Access database corruption. As we have outlined here both manual and professional solutions to solve the problem effectively and without unnecessary complications.