In a recent MVP discussion someone asked about a tool to convert a series of mdb databases contained within a directory into accdb file format without having to do so one by one manually.
I had put together a primitive tool to do so for my own needs many moons ago and was more than happy to share it with them.
As such, I’ve decided to post a modified copy here in case it can serve others at large.
You specify the directory to process, whether or not to process sub-directories. It will then make a listing of the mdb databases it finds. It will also flag those in a state that it will not be able to convert (ldb present, or accdb already exists) giving you a chance to address such issues. When you are ready to proceed, you simply click on the Convert Database(s) button and wait.
Notes:
- I highly recommend making a backup copy of the directory(ies) as a fail safe should anything go awry.
- Although this is an unlocked accdb for you to be able to learn from and modify, do not run the conversion with the VBE window open. It drastically slows down the process!!!
- The Access version must be able to open the database to be able to convert it, so often an intermediary version of Access is needed. For instance, Access 2010 remains an excellent choice for performing conversion when newer versions cannot.
Disclaimer/Notes:
If you do not have Microsoft Access, simply download and install the freely available runtime version (this permits running MS Access databases, but not modifying their design):Microsoft Access 2010 Runtime
Microsoft Access 2013 Runtime
Microsoft Access 2016 Runtime
Microsoft 365 Access Runtime
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Download
Feel free to download a copy (unlocked accdb) by using the link provided below:
Download “DB Format Upgrader (accdb x32)” DB-Format-Upgrader.zip – Downloaded 55571 times – 89.13 KBWhy Upgrade Database File Formats?
If you are not sure if you should be upgrading your old mdb files, peruse my article on the subject:
Hi Daniel
I tried this and no luck? can I send the file to you? I’m really keen to get this upgraded to .ACCDB
Kind Rgds
David
If it is for a single mdb file, simply open the file and perform a Save As (File -> Save As).
It is also possible the issue is with the mdb file format. If you have, say, a ’97 mdb, you will need to use an intermediary version of Access (2007, 2010) to perform the conversion as the newer versions are no longer compatible with older mdb file formats.
Hi Daniel,
Thanks for the free tool. Is there anyway to convert accdb format to mdb format without Access 2000 or lower? I’ve an application that uses mdb format but cannot edit the DB as I do not have Access 2000. Appreciate your advice.
The conversion is entirely based up the Application.ConvertAccessProject method, so you could try using it to downgrade the format to acFileFormatAccess2000. That said, the newer format setups all sorts of hidden objects, properties, … that can make it impossible to downgrade. You could try using something along the lines of:
At the end of the day it is risky to work in this manner, not even sure if it will work. You really should setup a VM and install Access 2000 (look on eBay, Amazon , …) to ensure what you are doing is compatible and works properly.
OI Daniel, estou tentando executar mas, ele diz que o programa é 32 bits que eu tenho que fazer?
Thank you so much for this.
I was stuck converting my old database from Access 2003 to Access 365, this worked a treat.
Cheers
It worked very well for me. I converted an old .mdb file to .accdb file and everything worked very well.
Hi Daniel,
Is there a 64 bit version of this tool?
I’m afraid not. It wouldn’t be very hard to adapt it though as there’s only one API used.
Carl,
I stand corrected. After reviewing, I did indeed make a 64-bit version for someone else who inquired. You can download a copy from https://1drv.ms/u/s!AjYnefG2siYSi37rIKOsv9gJPDm8?e=UFAc2n (I will have to add it to the site).
Thank you .. no need to for a single file.
The original stopped working a while back with some upgrades to Microsoft 365. The x64 however, works like a champ. I’ve been converting hundreds of mdb files to the new format and this is helping get it all completed on time.
Hey Daniel. I got the x64 version to run on my pc, looking to convert a .mdb database file. I do get error message indicating “you do not have necessary permissions …”. I believe i need the .mdw file that has access rights to do this. If i have the .mdw file, how do i use it to run this converter?
I’ll see if I can get some time to look into it, but I’m slammed right now, Microsoft screwed one of my client’s royally and I’ve been working to fix everything for a week straight now. Next time you consider using Microsoft Azure Web Services, DON’T!!!!!!!!!!!!
I just downloaded the 64-bit version and still get error 3041 – Cannot open a database created with a previous version of your application. I am on Access o365
Sadly, MS365 is incompatible with many of the older mdb formats. Thus, you need to use an intermediary Access version to perform the conversion(s) and then you will be able to use it in MS365. Access 2010 is my goto version for performing format upgrades.
Hi Daniel,
as I found out, the MSO365 incompatibility also applies to the desktop version of MS Office 2021.
Office365/MS365 and Office 2021 are all the same thing, just the 2021 is a frozen version, so yes the same applies.
I didn’t know that Office365 and Office 2021 are the same thing. I have never used Office365. Thanks for the information.
Every version of Office since 2016 is merely a static copy of MS365 at a given point in time.