Problems opening database

[Justns11]

Hi,
I have a database with approximately 1300 records in it, which I encrypted with a password while I was working on it(by simply clicking decrypt on the database tools ribbon and putting in the password). I presented the database to my boss and he asked me to take the password off so I opened the file exclusively and clicked decrypt and i waited about 10 minutes (because i read online this may take a while) and it ended up freezing my database. So I hit ctrl+break to end this process and access ended the process...but then froze (I waited a few minutes to let it process...slow computer). After nothing happened I hit ctrl+alt+delete to close the program so I could reopen it. I tried reopening the database and it says "The Microsoft Access database engine could not find the object 'Databases'. Make sure the object exists and that you spell its name and the path name correctly."

I know I've spelt it correctly as I'm just clicking the icon which I've always been clicking. I backed up the database 2 days ago, so I'm only going to lose about 300 records and some VB coding I did on a form...but I was hoping there was something I could do so that my last couple days of work aren't completely lost. Any help? Thanks

 

[boblarson]

unfortunately, there probably isn't anything to be able to do other than restore from a backup.

 

[Justns11]

there's no way to access any of the records? even in just one of the tables?
...this sucks.

 

[boblarson]

Encrypting with a password is great when it works. But, you interrupted the process of restoration so it is left in an "inconsistent state." That is basically - partially done and not done and that can only confuse Access.

 

[gemma-the-husky]

its a hard lesson

i would be very careful to copy any data/database before trying anything new/unusual just in case, and so you know how long it wil ltake

encryption/user security/even substantial compact/repair operations - killing the activity midstream as you did is certainly likely to exacerbate any problems

normally when access does stuff like this, it takes a backup, process the file then deletes the backup - you could do a file search on hidden folders etc, to see if a backup database exists anywhere.

 

[Justns11]

I'm not sure what I could've done differently...it says on the status bar to stop the operation hit "ctrl+break" so after 10 minutes I did this...it wouldn't allow me to do anything on my computer, even browse to different windows or view my desktop...Next time should I wait longer? Just sucks because I'm working on this collaboratively with someone and they're going ot be upset that their last 10 hours of work are gone.

 

[boblarson]

Understood - but as Dave said, if you were going to be doing anything to it, make a copy FIRST, before doing anything, and do it on the copy (just in case).

 

[gemma-the-husky]

did you have a look to see if there was a floating .mdb file around anywhere - may not even be a .mdb file - access may have given it another extension - try searching for any files created today, including system/hidden etc, see if anything looks a liely candidate

the other thing is - split your data and code - that will help protect both.

redoing stuff is a bit of an occupational hazard - during development you just need to have regular backups - of late, I have on a few occasions tried to modify a form, and just locked it/corrupted it completely - at least if you have a backup, you can just import a fresh copy, and repeat the mods