A common issue for many database users is the need to convert databases which were created in very old versions of Access that are no longer supported.

For example, this question was asked by Deecee at Access Forums.net:

I'm working on getting my Access 2 db into 2016. I have 2000, It successfully imported my tables, queries and macros, which I can then get into 2016, but it won't import any of my forms and reports. I've tried the conversion thing, but that won't work at all. If I could get the forms and reports in, even if they're broken, it would make my job a lot easier. Any ideas?

I'm very much an amateur, but I put this together for my business in 95, and it's served me well since then.

The solution normally involves doing more than one conversion
In this case, the supplied file was the FE of a split database containing the following items:
   

Object	Total
Form	99
Macro	34
Query	123
Report	21
Table (Linked)	24
Table (Local)	2

It was possible to convert the file relatively easily as follows:

a)  Opened in Access 2.0 to confirm that was the MDB file format
b)  Reopened in Access 2000 and converted the MDB format
c)  Reopened in Access 2010 and converted to ACCDB - removed the utility.mda reference which doesn't exist in ACCDB files
d)  Reopened in Access 2016 so the references were updated - otherwise in this case identical to 2010 version

The conversion process took just under an hour to complete

After conversion, Deecee commented:
Once I re-attached the tables it worked perfectly.
Just gotta make it look less 90s now lol.
You saved me days of work. Thanks again.

We can provide this conversion service for clients as we own all Access versions from 1.0 (released 1992) through to the current subscription version 365.

At the end of the process, your database should look and behave exactly like the original but work correctly in your specified version of Access.

This should save you MANY hours of work needed to re-create the forms/reports yourself and therefore be very cost effective



Requirements:                                                                                                                       Return To Top

1.  You must have the rights to use the supplied file(s)
2.  The file(s) must be in MDB or ACCDB format
    It is NOT possible to fully convert MDE / ACCDE files as the code is inaccessible
3.  If the files are password protected, the passwords MUST be provided
4.  If the data is sensitive, tables should be emptied (or the contents replaced with ‘dummy’ data)
5.  If the databases are split, the backend file(s) should also be supplied
6.  If the files include workgroup/user level security (ULS), details must be provided so the files can be opened
7.  Items no longer supported by Access will NOT be converted e.g. pivot tables/charts are not supported in Access 2013 or later

Many old Access files will be relatively straightforward to convert.
Conversion work is currently charged at £80 (GBP) per hour and the conversion can usually be done within 2 working days or at a time to suit clients' circumstances
If there are any complications, clients will be advised of the likely cost before proceeding.

For example, if the update requires converting files to work in 64-bit versions of Access, this will normally involve additional work.
As a result, a higher price will need to be charged.

NOTE:
The conversion service is NOT intended to fix existing design/coding errors in client databases.
At the end of the process you will need to fix any such errors yourself in the updated version.


Occasionally users ask to convert an Access database to an earlier version
For example, 2010 ACCDB to 2003 MDB or 2013 ACCDB to 2007 ACCDB

This is also possible but certain features used in the later version may be ‘lost’
Examples include the use of themed controls on reports, multivalue fields, attachment fields.

A quotation will be supplied on receipt of the relevant file(s)

However, it may be more cost effective to just supply affected users with a runtime version of Access that matches your database


For further details of the conversion service, please send an email with details of your file(s).
A secure location will be made available for file transfer



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Please use the contact form below if you wish to make use of the database conversion service or if you have any questions.



Colin Riddington                         Mendip Data Systems                         Last Updated 10 Jan 2024

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