I am trying to export data from an Access 97 .mde file. I can't open it in 2003 and I'm a bit stumped...

Question

I do have access 2000. Also I tried this doodad demo from everythingaccess.com, so don't tell me about that. Thanks.

Answer 1

A .MDE file isn't the same as a .MDB file. A .MDE file is more or less for Data Entry and can't be edited or altered at the design level. Design must be done on the "MASTER" .MDB file that the .MDE was created from.



MS Access 2000 CAN READ '97 .MDB files, but most likley You'll need Access'97 to read a '97 .MDE file. You may even need the original "MASTER" .MDB file that the .MDE was created from.



Check with Microsoft Knowledge Base or post it on a developers forum and see if anyone there knows how to get around it.

Answer 2

When you try to open it, it should ask you if you want to convert it to the current format.



You could also try importing the data into a new Access database. Open a new Access database and then select Get External data from the file menu. You should then be able to point to the existing file and select what you want to import.



It also could be corrupted, possibly beyond repair. I've seen this many times with Access. Look for a couple of freeware repair utilties and try them out. If they don't work, there might not be alot you can do. Most repair services are really expensive.

Answer 3

You need to go to Microsoft's web site and search for a converter that will translate the Access 97 files into Access 2003 files. They should have one on the site somewhere.