Forum Discussion
Unrecognized database format
Before yesterday, I never encountered this problem - after decades of using most previous versions of Windows and Access.
Six months ago, I upgraded to Windows 11 Pro and Office Professional 2021 standalone. My main Access database is 162MB, and references two much smaller ancillary Access 2021 dbs. Every time I close Access, it automatically compresses the main db. I went to open my db yesterday and got the message "Unrecognized database format." The ancillary dbs give the same error msg. I tried to resolve the issue using every suggested solution I found by Googling, first trying all the MS-suggested solutions. None worked, including using Stellar Repair for Access.
Fortunately, I keep daily backups of my work, but my fear is that this will happen again - and without my understanding of what initially caused the problem. Does anyone have fresh insights on this error message for Access 2021 running on Win11 Pro? Thanks in advance!
- > Every time I close Access, it automatically compresses the main db.
I think with "main db" you mean the front-end (FE) with all database objects minus tables, and linked tables. If so, compact on exit is overkill. After all, the FE is expendable. If it is corrupt, just get a fresh copy from the server. All the precious data is in the BEs.Tom_van_Stiphout Thank you for your input. I've turned off the option to automatically compact the db on exit. We'll see if that helps.
