Based upon a recent discussion between Access MVPs, I thought it could be valuable information to share with the Access community at large.  Below is the summary of our discussion on the subject.

Developers with older database which were created using the mdb file format often wonder if they should be upgrading to the newer accdb file format.

I do believe, as a general rule, the old adage “Do not fix what isn’t broken”. That being said, 2013+ no longer support the ’97 and prior versions of mdb and no one knows for how much longer Microsoft will continue to support the latter version of the mdb file format. Since the accdb file format has been around now for also a decade, it might be a good time to consider it.

So let’s ponder the question for a minute and see if there are any compelling reasons to upgrade file formats.

What are the advantages:

• Ensure that your db will continue to work moving forward
• Encryption is much more secure than that used in mdbs
• There are new data types (MVF, Attachments, …), but then again I strongly advise against their use!
• There could be, in specific cases, a performance benefit.  See: http://www.intersoft.co.nz/Support/TSB.aspx?id=TSB1032 for more details to see if this applies to you
• Automation with mdb format can sometimes not work because of compatibility issues.  Thus, by upgrading you can ensure your file can interact with other MS Office products without issue

What are the disadvantages:

• Loss of User-Level Security (this can be a major pain if you use it and perform the upgrade)

So, is there a compelling reason to upgrade?

From a functionality standpoint, no.

From a security standpoint, yes.

From the standpoint of ensuring your application continues to work in future versions, yes.

I’ll also state that in my experience, the upgrade process was as simple as a performing a ‘Save As’ for normal databases (those not using ULS).  I converted 12 mdbs for one of my client’s in under an hour.

On the other hand, when I needed to upgrade another client who used ULS, it took me several weeks to perform the upgrade because I had to create my own security model (tables, forms, VBA …) and apply it to their database (more than 200 forms, reports, …).

Back-ends tend to convert very easily and if your Front-Ends are coded properly then they too convert seamlessly.  However, if your Front-End has sloppy code… then you may need a little time to fix glitches.  Remember to recompile your VBA project to make sure everything is optimal there as well.

You may also like to review the following utility I created to convert mdbs into accdbs: