mdb data file size rapidly grows

[Michael]

I have a multi-user application (Access 2000) with front end (forms,
queries, reports, modules) and back end (data) mdb files. The data file
contains only tables. Yesterday the data mdb file grew from its normal size
of 23 mb to 753 mb. My last program change was 3 weeks ago and until
yesterday file size was as expected. After a compact, size returns to normal,
but almost immediately begins to rapidly grow even with only one or two users
in the system.

Any thoughts on what could be causing such behavior or suggestions on how to
troubleshoot?

 

[Allen Browne]

The symptoms do indicate a problem, unless someone is storing BLOB data
(such as graphics or sound) in an OLE Object type field, or large amounts of
data are being added and deleted.

First thing is to make sure the Name AutoCorrect boxes are unchecked under:
Tools | Options | General
Explanation of why this is important:
http://allenbrowne.com/bug-03.html
Then compact the database again to make sure it's really gone.

Next, close Access. Make a backup copy of the file. Decompile the database
by entering something like this at the command prompt while Access is not
running. It is all one line, and include the quotes:
"c:\Program Files\Microsoft office\office\msaccess.exe" /decompile
"c:\MyPath\MyDatabase.mdb"

Next, confirm that each user has their own local copy copy of the front end,
i.e. they are not opening shortcuts to the same front end file. That defeats
the whole purpose of splitting.

Next, look for any mahine that does not have SP3 for Office 2000 and SP8 for
JET 4. The Service Pack is shown under Help | About. For the JET version,
locate msjet40.dll (typically in windows\system32), right-click and choose
Properties, and look on the Version tab of the file properties box. Updates
are available from:
http://support.microsoft.com/gp/sp

 

[Lori Jo Vincent]

I am having the same issue. I cannot find the checkbox you are referring to
under

Tools | Options | General

Here is my situation:
I have a replicated database that was corrupt. I followed the instructions
posted by Jeff Conrad on 2/16/05 "How to find a hidden module". I did
everything step-by-step except "Turn off Name Auto Correct" because I
couldn't find it.

Now when I go in to just change the margins in the reports, my file size
grows from 30MB to 330MB!!! Is this for the same reason?

-- Lori Jo
Access junkie

The symptoms do indicate a problem, unless someone is storing BLOB data
(such as graphics or sound) in an OLE Object type field, or large amounts of
data are being added and deleted.

First thing is to make sure the Name AutoCorrect boxes are unchecked under:
Tools | Options | General
Explanation of why this is important:
http://allenbrowne.com/bug-03.html
Then compact the database again to make sure it's really gone.

Next, close Access. Make a backup copy of the file. Decompile the database
by entering something like this at the command prompt while Access is not
running. It is all one line, and include the quotes:
"c:\Program Files\Microsoft office\office\msaccess.exe" /decompile
"c:\MyPath\MyDatabase.mdb"

Next, confirm that each user has their own local copy copy of the front end,
i.e. they are not opening shortcuts to the same front end file. That defeats
the whole purpose of splitting.

Next, look for any mahine that does not have SP3 for Office 2000 and SP8 for
JET 4. The Service Pack is shown under Help | About. For the JET version,
locate msjet40.dll (typically in windows\system32), right-click and choose
Properties, and look on the Version tab of the file properties box. Updates
are available from:
http://support.microsoft.com/gp/sp

 

[Allen Browne]

Ouch. A corrupted replica could be very confused.
Any chance of replacing it with a replica you know is good?

Name AutoCorrect is found in Access 2000 and later, by choosing Tools from
the main Access window. Options is the last item on the menu. On the General
tab, it's the middle of the right-hand side.