How to Convert an Older-Version Access Database to Access 2013

Access Forms and Reports For Dummies

Access 2013 uses the same file format as Access 2007 and Access 2010 for storing its databases, but previous versions of Access use a different format. You can tell what version a database is by opening it in Access and looking at the title bar. The title bar may display (Access 2000 file format) or (Access 2002-2003 file format) for an old format, or nothing or (Access 2007 - 2013) for the new format.

To convert a database from an older file format to the Access 2013/2010/2007 format, follow these steps:

Open the database.
Close any open objects.
Click the File tab of the Ribbon to enter Backstage View, and choose Save As.
In the Save As dialog box, below the Save Database As heading, select Access Database (*.accdb).
Click the Save As button.
Browse to the folder where you want to store the new version of your database.
Enter a name for the database.

Access creates a new database containing all the objects in the old database, stored in the new format, with the extension .accdb. Additionally, a message warns you that this new database can’t be opened in Access 2003 or earlier versions.
Click OK.

About This Article

About the book author:

Alison Barrows is the author or coauthor of several books about Access, Windows, and the Internet. Joseph Stockman is an 18-year software designer who has authored or coauthored five Access programming books. Allen Taylor is a 30-year veteran of the computer industry and the author of over 20 books.

Joe Stockman is an independent consultant, software designer, and author who has been using Microsoft Access since its initial release. He’s also developed courseware and taught classes in Access and VBA. Joe developed his first application in Access, and then migrated into Visual Basic and VB.NET, where he specializes in creating applications for the Windows Mobile platform. He worked for several software companies before forming his consulting business in 2002, where he deals with all types of clients including healthcare, financial, government, manufacturing, and small business. His ability to turn his customers’ wishes into working applications keeps them satisfied. Joe’s also writing the fundamentals column for the Advisor Guide to Microsoft Access magazine.

Allen G. Taylor is a 30-year veteran of the computer industry and the author of over 40 books, including SQL For Dummies and Crystal Reports For Dummies. He lectures nationally on databases, innovation, and entrepreneurship. He also teaches database development internationally through a leading online education provider.