Question Difference in size between actual access database and its backup

[Srividhya]

Hi,

I am using Access 2007 database in work environment. When one of my colleagues tried to update some records in a table, it created a backup of the database.

The issue is that the size of the actual database is much smaller than the size of the backup. However all the data are present and I don't think any data has been deleted.

But I don't know why there is a difference in size?

Can anyone please help me out?

P.S: Some of the tables in the database are linked from MS SQL Server.

Thanks,
Srividhya

 

[Uncle Gizmo]

Check the compact on close setting

 

[vbaInet]

There may be some cached records from SQL Server pass through queries that have been left over in the backup. Try a Compact & Repair on the backup.

 

[Srividhya]

@Uncle Gizmo,

Thanks for your reply. I checked the Compact on close setting and it's not turned on... Is there anything else which could have resulted in this? I am new to access and couldn't figure out the reason.

Thanks in advance.

 

[Mile-O]

Basically, your database will grow in size every time it's used. If you delete a record (or a huge table!) then you don't automatically get the space back. It holds it. Therefore, you need to Compact the database, and it will reclaim all the space.