very wierd "inability to open database files" problem

[Vaskez]

First of all I'd like to say I'm not a beginner and have been using
Access with no problems at university for a while. I recently installed
MS Access 2003 at home. However, when I try to open a database file,
nothing happens. Basically I can create a new database, save it but
cannot open it again. If I go to File->Open and go to select a .mdb
file the name doesn't appear in the text field next to the open button
and when I click open the open file dialog disappears and then nothing
happens. Any ideas what could be causing this? I have activated the
software as required and typed in the correct product key at
installation. Also, I cannot open any databases at all, even ones that
I can open fine at university.

 

[Evi]

This sounds pretty bad.
So you go to File, Open.
You can see your databases listed in the window.
(If you can't see your databases then check that your FilesOfType box is set
to Microsoft Access Databases)
you click on one and press Open.
Nothing happens.

Does this only happen with databases or do you get it with any other
programs. If you do get it with others then it might be a virus infection.

Otherwise, it could be that the File Open association has been lost from the
registry.

First thing to try. Right click on a database file in Windows Explorer. If
you don't see Open With in the choices there, then Right click again
pressing Shift. In the Open With box, go down to Microsoft Access. If it
isn't there, click the Other button and browse to the program

Go to Windows Explorer, Tools, Options
Click the File Types tab.

Look down the list for MDB in the list. Is it there?

Click on it.
Click Advanced.
Does it say Open in the actions box?
If it does, click on it and click Edit.
Go down to the 'Application Used To Perform Action' box
Mine says (all in one line):

C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\Office\MSACCESS.EXE /NOSTARTUP "%1"



Yours may have a different file path to MSAccess.exe, depending on where it
is on your PC but the last bit should be the same.

Edit the above so that you have the correct file path to MSAccess.exe and
paste it into the box.

Does it work now?

If not there is a registry repair which you type into the Run box on your
start button to re-register Access. I can't remember it offhand but if the
above doesn't work, write back.

Evi