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COMPUTER TIPS HOME
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5 Ways to Avoid Microsoft Access
Database Corruption |
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There
is a possibility of having a MDB file
marked as corrupt even if there is no
actual corruption of data, and it is
important for Access users to realize
this. Whoever tries to access the
database while there is a corruption
alert will be made aware about it, and
the database will need to be repaired
before anyone can open it. When users do
not have the required permission to
repair the database, or have no
experience repairing a database, there
will be a considerable amount of delay
in operations because the database is
not functional. When there is delay in
operations, objectives will not be
accomplished and deadlines will not be
met, causing low morale in the working
environment.
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So, how do you
avoid the catastrophic effects of
database corruption in your workplace?
Here are 5 tips to follow that will help
lessen the occurrence of corruption in
your database:
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1) Use only good quality hardware.
Using cheap hardware for your network
connections can cost you even more. Keep
in mind that the slightest problem with
your network connectivity can affect
your database and cause an error or
corruption alert. Make it a point to use
good quality hardware such as brand name
network cards. Don't settle for less.
2) Close the database application
properly.
Always exit the database properly. Use
the File->Exit or other methods of
exiting provided by Access. Do not
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ever use the Task
Manager via CTRL+ALT+DEL to
exit your Access database as it can
cause errors or corruption in your
database.
3) Don't maintain network connection
unnecessarily.
It doesn't matter if you're a user or a
programmer. You should always close your
connections in the right manner as soon
as possible when you're finished with
your work on the database. This will
lessen the chances of unanticipated
dropped connection. If your connection
is used inside a loop, open the
connection at the start of the loop, and
then close it when the loop is finished.
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4) Separate your database into a
front-end and back-end.
One of the most important things to do
in avoiding errors and corruption in
your Access database is to split it into
a front-end and a back-end. The
front-end stores most of your database
objects such as forms, queries, and
reports. A copy of this should be stored
in each user's computer. As for the
back-end, your tables should be stored
in a shared folder there on the network.
Since forms, queries, and reports are
mostly used individually, it is
reasonable to put them in local
workstations, rather than put them in a
shared folder in the network. It is also
reasonable to store your tables in the
back-end for the network to share,
because they are the sources for
queries, forms, and reports. The tables
contain the |
only data that need to be shared. This
way, there is less data going through the
network, minimizing the chances of errors and
corruption.
5) Don't forget to use Compact and
Repair.
There is a Compact and Repair function
in Access, and using this on a regular
basis is highly recommended to avoid
corruption and enhance the performance
of your application. Apply this function
to all of your databases during times
when there is least or no activity
concerning your databases.
Also be familiar with these error
messages. These may signal database
corruption:
" Microsoft Access has encountered a
problem and needs to close. We are sorry
for the inconvenience."
" Unrecognized Database Format"
" Unexpected Error 35012"
" 'filename.mdb' isn't an index in this
table. Look in the Indexes collection of
the TableDef object to determine the
valid index names."
"Disk Error -- Reserved error (-1601)"
"The database has been placed in an
unexpected state."
"The Microsoft Jet database engine
cannot find the input table or query 'MSysAccessObjects'.
Make sure it exists and that its name is
spelled correctly."
Conclusion:
Following these 5 simple tips will save
you a lot of frustration from the
effects of a corrupted database. Though
these methods will not prevent all
Access database corruption, applying
these methods will stop most problems
before they happen. Just always remember
to backup your data just in case, and
perform good maintenance to your network
hardware.
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About The Author:
Article Written By Aprile Leland
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