MS Access database stores different types of data. Over time and usage, the size of the database file grows large, reaching the 2 GB file limit. This may result in slow database performance and database corruption. You can compact and repair the database to reduce its size, optimize performance, and prevent or fix corruption. In this post, we’ve discussed different methods to compact and repair the Access database. In addition, we’ve mentioned a professional access database recovery software that can repair the corrupt Access database file with 100% integrity.
Things to Consider Before Proceeding with Compact and Repair Operation
Here are a few things you need to consider before you begin the compact and repair process:
- Take database backup to prevent data loss if anything goes wrong.
- Get desired permissions to compact and repair the database.
- In multi-user environment, notify all other users while running the compact and repair operation to avoid conflicts.
Methods to Compact and Repair Access Database
Following are some methods you can use to compact and repair an Access database.
Method 1: Use the “Compact on Close” Option (When Database Closes)
If the database closes automatically, you can use the Compact on Close database option in MS Access to compact and repair the database automatically. This feature is applicable only when the database is currently open. To use this feature, follow the below-mentioned:
- Open your Access database.
- Navigate to File option and then select Options.
- In the Access Options wizard, select Current Database.
- Under Application Options, click on the Compact on Close checkbox.
- Click OK.
Close the database and reopen it.
Method 2: Compact and Repair the Database Manually (When you can Open the File)
You can run the Compact and Repair tool manually in scenarios, such as when there are database performance issues or when you are getting error messages indicating corruption. If you are able to open the database file, then run the Compact and Repair utility in Access by following these steps:
- Open the database file.
- Go to the Info option and then click Compact & Repair Database.
After compacting and repairing MS Access save the database in the same location where it was originally saved.
Method 3: Compact and Repair the Database (When it is not Opening)
Sometimes, you fail to open the corrupt Access database file. When trying to open the file, it displays errors. In such cases, you can compact and repair the database using the below steps:
- Ensure that no other users are using the database file you want to repair.
- Open Microsoft Access and double-click the Blank Database on the Templates page.
- Navigate to File and click Close.
- Select Database Tools and then select Compact and Repair Database.
- The dialog box labeled ‘Database to Compact From’ appear on the screen. Select the database you want to compact and repair.
Method 4: Use Command Line to Compact and Repair Access Database
You can also run the “Compact and Repair” tool using the Command Prompt. Here are the steps:
- Go to the Windows start option, type Command Prompt, and then right-click on it.
- Select the Run as administrator option.
- In the command Prompt, type the below command and then press the Enter key.
msaccess <path to database file >\<database file name> /compact
For example:
C:\Windows\system32>\Users\monika.dadool\Documents\”Database19.accdb” /compact
Alternative Solution to Repair Corrupt Access Database
If you’re not able to repair the database by using the above methods, then you can use an Access recovery tool, such as Stellar Repair for Access. It is specifically designed to repair corrupted/damaged Access files. It can repair the file even if it is severely corrupted. The software never truncates the damaged tables. It helps in recovering all objects in the database with complete integrity. It can repair corrupt database files of all MS Access versions, including 2019 and 2016. Also, you can preview the repaired database before saving it. You can download the software’s demo version to scan and preview the database.
Closure
There are many reasons why you need to compact and repair the Access database. In this post, we’ve discussed different methods to compact and repair the Access database. Try the methods discussed above to compact and repair the database. If nothing works, try an advanced Access repair software to repair the severely corrupted/damaged ACCDB or MDB file. This advanced tool has a simple-to-use interface and can repair the database in just a few simple steps. The tool is compatible with all Windows operating systems, including the latest Windows 11.
