How to convert Access 32 Bit Database to Access 64 Bit Database

[ManojK365]

How to convert 32 Database created with Access 2007 32 bit to Access 2016 64 bit? Manoj Kumar

[#2]

You may like to review

https://www.devhut.net/2017/04/13/access-x32-vs-x64-compatibility/

But basically as explained by George and others, you can't do anything with the accde. It is compiled in 32-bit and is only good for running on 32-bit. You need to go back to the accdb file, address/fix any ActiveX controls, reference libraries, APIs, ... To their 64-bit equivalents and then recompile a new 64-bit accde and distribute that to your users. Everything depends on the complexity of your database.

As stated by others, if just stick with 32-bit unless there is a genuine reason to switch. In 99% of case, there is no benefit! If you use ActiveX controls, there may not even be a 64-bit version available and then you have to find another alternative altogether.

[#3]

https://www.devhut.net/2017/04/13/access-x32-vs-x64-compatibility/

But basically as explained by George and others, you can't do anything with the accde. It is compiled in 32-bit and is only good for running on 32-bit. You need to go back to the accdb file, address/fix any ActiveX controls, reference libraries, APIs, ... To their 64-bit equivalents and then recompile a new 64-bit accde and distribute that to your users. Everything depends on the complexity of your database.

As stated by others, if just stick with 32-bit unless there is a genuine reason to switch. In 99% of case, there is no benefit! If you use ActiveX controls, there may not even be a 64-bit version available and then you have to find another alternative altogether

[#4]

You cannot convert an mde!

You need the original mdb that was used as source to create the mde. You can compile the mdb to either a 32-bit mde with a 32-bit Access or to 64-bit mde with a 64-bit Access.

[#5]

@mustafiz salam sajib Can you build a database that works for both 32 and 64 bits?

[#6]

Depends. If you are going to just run the . mdb/accdb, yes, doesn’t matter. If you are planning to compile into an executable, no. The compiled version will look for compatible Office Libraries and they need to match. Same thing for additional Office programs. If you installed 32 bit Office, you can’t install 64 bit Visio. If you have the DB on a shared drive, you can open it in either 32or 64 bit Access. This is a pretty old thread though, so the prevalence of 32 and 64 bit Office installations may be different now.

[#7]

Thanks

[#8]

@Eric1890 

Yes, with conditional compilation it is possible. Additional reference. EXCELLENT VIDEO on 64 bit VBA. However, if your Access relational database application uses  32 bit activeX or third-party controls you can't run them under 64 bit Office. So, it does indeed depend on the specifics of the Access relational database application in question. Some will be compatible, some won't.

[#9]

@ManojK365 

Hello, i like to get some online assistance converting an existing database.  Do you offer this service ?

[#10]

@Irahawi No, sorry. I never have done this as a service. Was just a consumer with some experience, posting. It was at a time period when Office was predominantly 32 bit, and didn’t come with Access. People would go and get 64bit Access, which caused all sorts of issues when you mixed them. You could go get 64bit Office which had some compatibility issues with add ons and extensions, or stick with 32 bit Access. Should just be able to open a 32 bit Access file in 64 bit and fix a few errors. If it’s a pretty old DB, might have to hunt up a version of Access just a couple of versions newer, convert, and do it again, until it works in a current version. Surprised this thread is still alive.

[#11]

@Irahawi 

That's not really how forums work.  People ask and answer questions and can refer specific problems to resources, though. We've done that here. I posted links to videos illustrating the process, for example

If you need to hire someone to convert multiple existing mdbs or accdbs from 32 bit to 64 bit, you could search for consultants who do that.

Or, with a little bit of work, you should be able to do the conversion. 

[#12]

@Irahawi 

I should have included a few more details in my previous response.

Many developers and consultants would be competent to help you convert an existing accdb to work under both 32 bit and 64 bit Access. The skills and knowledge are commonly available. You can do it yourself, assuming you have some VBA experience. However, if you are an end user and have no idea how to work in VBA, hiring someone to do it does make sense. I have seen offers to do that in some forums. Most of the time I think the volunteer offering has the necessary skills and knowledge, but the fact of the matter is that everyone here is an independent developer who volunteers time to the forum community. They may be well-seasoned, or they may have no more experience than you do yourself.

That means it's up to you to choose wisely whether to accept such an offer or not. 

If you decide to have someone help you, the very first step would be to establish the scope of the project. Make sure you understand what will and won't be forthcoming.

You'll need to have a non-disclosure agreement. If you turn your accdb over to someone for the purpose of converting the VBA to support 64 bit Access, you have to be sure that any data exposed will be completely confidential. 

Good luck with the project.