Possibly a dumb question

[Eljefegeneo]

When looking up samples on this forum, at times the samples are in 2003 mdb format. I have 2010 installed. When I try to open the sample, it says that don't have the program installed on my computer. The choices are to "activate", "buy" or "try for free". I am a little reluctant to "active" 2010 as it is already installed. Once before when I did something like this when the sample was in Runtime, Runtime became the default program. I had to do some fancy footwork to restore 2010 as the default program. Took me about an hour of cussing to do it.

Is there any problem with clicking on the "activate" button; will it change anything for the worse for me? thanks.

 

[JHB]

When looking up samples on this forum, at times the samples are in 2003 mdb format. I have 2010 installed. When I try to open the sample, it says that don't have the program installed on my computer. The choices are to "activate", "buy" or "try for free".

I'm also running MS-Access 2010, but I haven't recognized the above when I open a file in mdb format.

 

[RainLover]

The best option is to use Access 2003.

You can run both 2010 and 2003 on the same machine. Google this first just to make sure as I am basing my answer on previous versions.

I have run 97, 2003 and 2007 on the one machine. But only one version at a time.

 

[Eljefegeneo]

You are correct in your assumption. But when I right click and open with Access 2010, RunTime wants to come up. Is there any way to stop the Runtime from opening up the DB?

 

[RainLover]

From what I now understand.

You will have to pay money in order to develop. Purchase a copy of your own.

Otherwise you will only be able to use databases designed by other people.

 

[Eljefegeneo]

I have purchased a copy of AC 2010. I think I have followed the above instructions and it now seems to be OK, but a few still want to open Runtime. Will be careful in the future. Thanks all.

 

[Eljefegeneo]

OK, tried it and again it seemed to do something weird. couldn't open up any .mdb or accdb files at all. had to re-install AC2010 again. lesson learned. don't open the mdb demo files. but one is supposed to be able to open up a mdb file with 2010. So what am I doing wrong?

 

[Eljefegeneo]

And yes I have read all the M/S postings on this and it says I can open the file. and then save it as an accdb file. But is ain't working!

 

[RainLover]

Access 2010 is the only program that I know of that is not fully backward compatible.

I don't use it as I believe 2003 to be a superior product. But then that is just my opinion.

Try opening the older files with the shift key held down. This won't completely solve your problem but may help. If you can do this check your references.

Other than that you will need some help from someone who has 2010 experience.

You may also need to wait till Monday to find someone who is working.

 

[nanscombe]

I use Access 2010, but don't have Access 2003 on my computer, but always save files in 2002-2003 format for compatibility.

Do you open the samples by simply double-clicking on them?

If so, it certainly sounds like you've got the demo Access 2003 (Office 2003) as default for mdb and mde files.

Try:
Right-clicking it, and choosing "Open With" Access 2010.

Or
Save / extract (from a zip file) the file first then open it from inside Access 2010.

 

[Eljefegeneo]

Thanks, but ... I have tried to do what you suggested. Sometimes it works and sometimes a setup popup appears and Runtime starts to load. then I have to do a workaround to get Runtime off. Must just be a peculiarity of my computer and the way it is set up. Not going to worry about it any more.

 

[nanscombe]

Access: File association errors opening databases by double clicking

Method 1:

1. Right-click on the problem (.accdb, .accde, .mdb, .mde) file.
2. Point to Open With, and then click on Choose Default Program.
3. Under Recommended Programs, look for Access and select it if found.
4. If Access wasn't listed in the Recommended Programs section, click the Browse button, browse to and select msaccess.exe, and then click Open.

Common install paths:

(32 bit Windows / 32 bit Access) or (64 bit Windows / 64 bit Access):

Access 2007: C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\Office12\MSACCESS.EXE
Access 2010: C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\Office14\MSACCESS.EXE
Access 2013: C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\Office15\MSACCESS.EXE (MSI)
Access 2013: C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office 15\root\Office15\MSACCESS.EXE (C2R)

(64 bit Windows / 32 bit Access):

Access 2007: C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft Office\Office12\MSACCESS.EXE
Access 2010: C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft Office\Office14\MSACCESS.EXE
Access 2013: C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft Office\Office15\MSACCESS.EXE (MSI)
Access 2013: C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office 15\root\Office15\MSACCESS.EXE (C2R)

5. Make sure that the 'Always use the selected program . . . ' box is checked, and then click OK.
...

 

[Eljefegeneo]

thanks again. It all seems to work OK now. I did follow the instructions given previously and I still had the same problem. Now, all of a sudden it works OK. I can only assume that something I did while following the instructions did something to set the default correctly. And yes, I have the entire suite of Pro 2010.

 

[RainLover]

The running of the install program most likely happens when you change from one version to the other.

If I was in your situation I would delete, via the Windows Control Panel, all versions of Access. If you need 2003 then load it first. If you only want 2010 then only install that Version.

 

[RainLover]

We both posted at the same time.

Good to hear you have found the correct solution.