How to open an .mdb or .accdb without Access

Many companies still keep data in an Access file nobody knows how to open from a new computer. There are several ways to read it without buying Access, and the best is usually to move the data to a current database before the file gets corrupted.

Ways to read it without Access

Microsoft Access Runtime

A free Microsoft version that runs finished Access applications, although it does not let you change their design.

Access drivers

The free Access Database Engine lets other applications read the file through ODBC or OLE DB.

Third-party tools

MDB Tools (Linux and macOS) or UCanAccess (Java) read tables and export them to other formats without Access.

Export the data

From another machine with Access you can export the tables to CSV or straight to PostgreSQL or SQL Server.

How to do it safely

Make a copy with all users out

Never work on the original file or with the application open on other machines: a failure can corrupt it.

Identify the engine

An .mdb uses the Jet engine (Access 97 to 2003) and an .accdb the ACE engine (Access 2007 or later). The free analyser on this site detects it.

Check whether it is split

Many applications have one file with the forms (front-end) and another with the data (back-end). The data is usually in the second.

Export the tables

Move them to CSV or a current database and verify the totals against the reports you already use.

Decide what to do with the application

Keep it, migrate it in phases to a web application or rewrite it. It is decided with the inventory in front of you.

Things worth knowing

.mde and .accde files

These are compiled versions without the form and code design. The data is accessible; the design is not recovered the same way.

Size limit

An Access file cannot exceed 2 GB. Files approaching that limit fail easily.

Passwords and permissions

Some files have a password or workgroup security (.mdw). You must know it or have the right to remove it.

32 and 64 bits

Drivers must match the architecture of the application using them. It is a frequent cause of connection errors.

We only work on software you own or have the right to act on. This is not legal advice.

Frequently asked questions

Can I open an .accdb in Excel?

Excel can import tables and queries from an .accdb if the Access drivers are installed. It is useful for looking at data, but it does not replace a migration.

Are forms and reports lost when migrating?

Data migrates without loss. Forms, reports and macros are analysed and rebuilt as part of the new application; they are not copied as they are.

What if the file is corrupt?

Access includes a compact and repair tool, and sometimes tables can be recovered with external tools. Always work on a copy.

Which database should I migrate to?

PostgreSQL or SQL Server are usually good options. It is chosen based on your infrastructure, data volume and who will maintain it.

Contact

Email: jmoreno@stellariscode.com · Phone: +34 654 51 63 65