Access database becomes "unrecognised file format" after a while..

[JH]

Folks,

I have an access 2000 database that has been in use for about a year with no
real problems. I have been making changes and additions to it during this
period.

Recently the database has become corrupted in the middle of using with an
"unrecognisable file format" error message. Using compact and repair you can
recover the database, but some of the data is missing or corrupt (fortunatly
it is backed up every day!).

Any clues what I should be looking for that might be causing this to happen?

John

 

[Jeff Boyce]

You didn't describe your "configuration". Is your db on a single PC or a
network? Is it split or "all-in-one"?

A buggy NIC or cable, or power fluctuations can interrupt Access' thoughts
and confuse it (corrupt the db).

More info, please...

Jeff Boyce
<Access MVP>

 

[Tony Toews]

Recently the database has become corrupted in the middle of using with an
"unrecognisable file format" error message. Using compact and repair you can
recover the database, but some of the data is missing or corrupt (fortunatly
it is backed up every day!).

Any clues what I should be looking for that might be causing this to happen?

For more information on corruption including possible causes,
determining the offending PC, retrieving your data, links, official MS
KB articles and a list of vendors who state they can fix corruption
see the Microsoft Access Corruption FAQ at
http://www.granite.ab.ca/access/corruptmdbs.htm

Tony
--
Tony Toews, Microsoft Access MVP
Please respond only in the newsgroups so that others can
read the entire thread of messages.
Microsoft Access Links, Hints, Tips & Accounting Systems at
http://www.granite.ab.ca/accsmstr.htm

 

[JH]

The database is a multiuser system, data split form the user interface.
Several PCs can use it over a network - at the time of the corruption at
least three people were on the system.

I need to check the NIC/cable option out, becuase this has really only
started since it was put onto a "new" pc on the network.

John

 

[Jeff Boyce]

NIC, cabling, router/switch (all the "plumbing"), and a db can get corrupted
by a user shutting off his/her PC without closing Access.

Good luck

Jeff Boyce
<Access MVP>