Corrupted mdb file (Access 2k2)

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I’ve got a small database where it appears to have been corrupted.

Each time I try to open it, it asks for a password. I know that I did not add a password, I also know from the file time stamp that no-one else did either.

Luckily I have a backup but it excludes most of a whole mornings work (not much bearing in mind my access knowledge). Does anyone know of any tools that might help me recover.

I’ve tried a new db and importing the data, but it still requests a password. I’ve also tried a couple of the more common password crackers.

Colin

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Actually, it sounds as if your system.mdw may have either been corrupted or moved, and then recreated. You might try using the workgroup administrator to see where Access is currently pointing. In Access 2002 the path is typically C:WINDOWSApplication DataMicrosoftAccessSystem.mdw (if you are running Win9X). Another strategy to try is importing everything from your original database to a new one. Hope this helps.

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I’d already tried the import suggestion, that was one of my first attempts.

I’ve run the mdw file as you suggest, and it opened a system database with 4 queries in it. I presume that the tables are hidden currently. Unfortunately, the data doesn’t make much sense to me.

What should I be checking/looking for?

Colin

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The system.mdw file is not really a database – it’s where user security information is stored, and you don’t want to do anything to it. The issue is that if it becomes corrupt, then when Access 2002 tries to open a database, it thinks the Admin (default) account has a password and it prompts you. Try creating a new system.mdw file using the workgroup administrator (Tools/Security), and see if it will let you in. I presume you didn’t try running the Secure a Database Wizard – that might well have done things to you also. The important thing in all this is to make sure you are connected to the System.mdw file that was being used when you created the database.

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