How to Access Unrecognized Database Format (MDB)- Quickly

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  • Updated on February 4th, 2025

Generally, with MS Access databases MDB and ACCDB files, users face an error code 3343. This error code states users can’t access unrecognized database format issues. This means that the database fails to identify the type of Access file and thus is unable to open. Therefore, to fix this issue and access files, this blog provides optimum techniques. Along with that, browse through the Access Database Recovery Tool for ease.

What Causes ACCDB Unrecognized Database Format Error?

This error majorly arises while facing issues with the MDB and ACCDB database files. Some other prominent reasons for the occurrence of this error are:

  • Oversized Access MDB/ACCDB files with low hard disk storage.
  • Outdated file, MS Access database, or MS Office Suite version.
  • Hardware issues like bad sectors on the drive or MDB files.
  • Security threats, file corruption, or other viruses and hack attacks.
  • Improper Access database split or malfunction of MS Office.

Fix Microsoft Access Unrecognized Database Format Error

If your MDB file is affected or any other issue prevents you from accessing the database. Then we have manual solutions and a professional tool to help you resolve it. Additionally, find the limitations and benefits of the methods.

Fix Microsoft Unrecognized Database Format Error Manually

There are four manual ways in which you can easily recover from this error and access your database. Follow these as explained below.

Way 1: Change the Access Database Format

(Using the older database file version in a new system version.)

  1. Start the MS Access application and move to the File tab. Click Open.
  2. Browse and choose the (.mdb) file that needs to be converted.
  3. Further, again click File and opt for the Save As >> Save Database As option.
  4. Then, choose the new file format as (.accdb) and press Save As.
  5. In the opened dialog, give a file name and the location for a new file.
  6. Lastly, hit Save to change the MDB file extension.

Way 2: Disable Leasing to Fix MS Access Unrecognized Database Format

(Usually, this happens when accessing a file stored on a Network File Share.)

  1. Start the Command Prompt as admin and execute the following command:
REG ADD 
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\lanmanserver\parameters /v DisableLeasing /t REG_DWORD /d 1 /f
NET STOP SERVER
NET START SERVER
  1. Then, hit Enter and close CMD.

Way 3: Use Access Compact and Repair Tool

  1. Open MS Access and move to Database Tools >> Tools >> Compact & Repair.
  2. After that, find and pick the MDB database file to repair and press Compact.
  3. Provide a new name for the resultant Access database file and click Save.
  4. Check if the MS unrecognized database format error is fixed.

Way 4: Access the MDB/ACCDB File in the Correct Version

  1. Launch MS Access, move to File, and select Options.
  2. In General, find the option named Creating Database.
  3. Afterward, click on New Database sort order and check additional settings.
  4. Subsequently, ensure Legacy settings in the General tab are followed properly.
  5. Save changes and try to reopen the database file to see if the error is gone.

Limitations of the Manual Method:

  • High technical expertise is needed to perform methods successfully.
  • Chances of file corruption and human errors resulting in data loss.
  • No guarantee that troubleshooting or updates will help fix errors.
  • Lack of confidentiality and data originality will be compromised.

Thus, it is better to look for an alternative expert-recommended solution.

Professional Tool to Fix Access Unrecognized Database Format Error

If none of the above manual methods helped or you are searching for a more secure and reliable solution. Then, the Access Database Recovery Tool is your best choice. This tool repairs and recovers access databases from corruption or other errors. In addition, it supports MDB and ACCDB files of any size or version and repairs them without data loss. Moreover, it runs on all Windows OS and has many other advantageous and advanced features.

Steps to Handle ACCDB Unrecognized Database Format Error

  1. Run the MS Access Database File Recovery Tool. 
  2. Press Open from the top menu and add MDB/ACCDB files.
  3. Further, choose a Recovery Mode to handle file corruption.
  4. After that, check the Access file version and other options. Click OK.
  5. Now, Preview the recovered added file database items and choose to save.
  6. Click Save and in the open dialog, select folder location or Make New Folder.
  7. At last, click OK to save the recovered file and access it with ease.

Final Words

To conclude, the access unrecognized database format error concerns MDB and ACCDB files. If you encounter any errors, follow the above-mentioned methods to resolve them. However, the manual method limitations shouldn’t be avoided if you are opting for a free solution. If you need a more secure and guaranteed solution, then a professional tool is beneficial.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What do you understand by Microsoft Unrecognized Database Format?

Ans: Unrecognized Database Format (error code 3343) arises due to MDB and ACCDB files. It mainly occurs when the file is too large, corrupted, or inaccessible. The database cannot identify the file format and thus, users face issues in their work. 

2. How to resolve the MS Access Unrecognized Database Format error?

Ans: You can fix this error depending on the reason for its occurrence. There are different solutions for it as follows:

  • Change the File extension to open in the newer MS Access Version.
  • Disable Leasing if the database file is stored on a Shared Network.
  • Use the Compact and Repair Tool and Correct Version of Database File.
  • Update older versions and if any install is causing the issue, then uninstall it.
  • Lastly, the best solution is to use the Access Database Recovery Tool for a quick fix.

Also Read : Database Corruption Reasons.

About The Author:

Raj is a skilled technical writer who makes complicated topics easy to understand. With experience in email and cloud migration, he creates clear and engaging content that helps readers learn about technology. His work is trusted by many and has been featured on well-known tech sites.

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