Database Contents GONE!?!?

[JPritch]

I go to open my Access 2000 database this morning and the contents: tables, queries, forms, reports, macros...all gone! The database file is still there, and when I go to view it's properties, I verified that it is the database that I created back in April and not somebody that overwrote my database using the same filename.

Is there any technical explanation as to how this could have happened? Or is it undoubtedly the result of human intervention?

I placed it on a network drive here at work.

I kept a copy thank god, but the copy is a couple weeks old and I'll lose alot of recent data. I've put in a request to have them restore the file from when it was last used Friday.

Just wondering what could have happened so I can prevent this from happening again.

Thanks!

 

[Exodus]

Out of curiosity what is the size of the DB right now.

Is it possible that all objects are hidden?

 

[JPritch]

It went from approximately 3.3MB to 112KB.

How do I check to see if they were hidden?

The database has since been restored by our help desk, but I am still curious as to what happened so I know what to do if it happens again or better yet how to prevent it.

Thanks!

 

[The_Doc_Man]

If this is a shared DB, check your security settings. It is entirely possible that someone got in through one of the many possible holes that exist in improperly secured DBs. At which point it would be trivial for that person to do something pretty bizarre. When your DB changes from 3.3 Mb to 112 Kb, you have one of two cases.

1. You really had a small DB and someone compacted it for you.

2. Someone deleted something - a LOT of something - and then "tried" to recover it using repair and compact because they didn't know better.

My suggestions are first, to secure the DB so no one else but you (and perhaps one other person whom you trust) can delete any object larger than a single record. If you are in doubt, search this forum for merely a GAZILLION security posts.

Then, once it is all secured, do a study on a rate of data change. Then decide how much data loss you can stand. Then set your backup regimen to the rate required to limit your losses to that level. Then STICK TO THE REGIMEN. (This is the hardest part; I speak from experience.)

If you ever find someone who admits to having "goosed" your DB, it is your choice as to whether you forgive the person or flay him/her alive. But if you take the latter route, make it publicly known after the fact. Examples can be positive or negative. Only you know whether your environment is more strongly affected by positive or negative stimuli. (Old management students will recognize "Theory X" and "Theory Y" motivational principles here...)

 

[Exodus]

I would have to agree with Doc on this. I really doubt your objects are hidden based on the size but you could check. Go Tools>Options and on the View Tab make sure the the hidden objects check box is checked this will show anything in the db that is hidden.
Good luck.

Some thing I've been meaning to impliment is the backup database. this database will back up any db you select and will make incremented copies.
I think I got it off this site but am not sure if you want it let me know i'll attach it.