Unrecognized database format

[Thepieman]

Our department uses an Access database we created to log incidents regarding IT Faults. Users frequently get an error message saying ‘Unrecognized Database Format’, stating the path of the database. Performing compact and repair solves the problem, but only temporarily. Everyone has to exit their database for the repair to take place.
This error message appears about 5-6 times per day

The database has not got a separate front and back end. Would this make a difference?

The database also has references set in the modules. Do these references need to be set on everyone’s pc?

Thanks in advance

 

[KenHigg]

Thepieman,

Splitting the db may make a diff but even if it don't help solve this prob, it's a good idea

If the ref's were wrong (or broken), on a machine the db should err. But I would go around and check them anyway.

As far as the root of the prob, the first thing I would do is double check all the code to make sure there wasn't and un-used or abandoned stuff lurking about.

Then manually scroll through as many records as you can and see if there may be a corrupt record somewhere. They will usually show up with an error message or some other chinese looking characters.

finally, I would try to start some kind of log to see if you can pattern the problem so you can force it to error so you can try and isolate it...

Ken

 

[maxmangion]

Everyone has to exit their database for the repair to take place.
This error message appears about 5-6 times per day

How many users are accessing the database simultaneously ?

 

[Thepieman]

thanks

FAO: Ken - Thanks for your comments. I have now created a backend database and I have checked all the code. I have now deleted a bit of code which is no longer needed. I am going to roll out the database later this week, so see what happens

FAO Maxmangion: - There are approx 30 users who access the database. However I don't think this is the problem as the database broke when there was 3 users in and then again with 20+

 

[DatabaseNetwork]

Same problem

I have the same problem. I have the system running on two sites. Only one of them has the problem and I have my own copy of the system which refuses to break. I run it locally on a Windows 2000 Server.
The site where it works ok does not have a dedicated server and the backend files are stored on a Windows 2000 Professional machine running Office 2000. The site where it does not work has Windows 2000 Server and XP workstations.
I have tried loading the system onto an XP machine and getting one user to use it only. It still corrupts. Could it be an XP issue? If you have discovered a solution PLEASE let me know - I have one unhappy customer at the moment.

 

[AlienRay]

The "Unrecognized Database Format" error will frequently occur on workstations where more than one version of Access is installed.

If a user attempts to open an Access 2000 file, but their profile associates MDB files with Access 97, you'll get that error. The solution would then be to uninstall Access 97.