Microsoft Acess Unrecognized Database Format Issue - Solved

Theo Lucia

Dec 16, 2024 • Filed to: Windows Computer Solutions • Proven solutions

Are you coming across MS Access Unrecognized Database Format issue when using your Microsoft Access database?

Are you looking for some easy and effective ways to get rid of this error? If that’s what you’re looking for, then this post is for you. Here, you’ll get answers to your queries regarding the Access Unrecognized Database Format error.

We’ll talk about what’s this error, some of the causes behind it, ways to deal with it, and tips to avoid this error.

Let’s get started.

What Is Access Unrecognized Database Format Error?

When using Access MDB/ACCDB file in different versions, users usually come across Access Database error 3343. There can be one of the few reasons behind this error.

This error is also referred to as the frxque32.mdb file. As it’s seen in many cases, the frxque32.mdb file got corrupted and resulted in such errors.

Before we talk about different ways to deal with this error, let’s learn about this error and the reasons behind it.

Code of the error: Access Runtime error 3343

Name of the error: Unrecognized database format

What are the causes of this error?

Let’s have a look at some of the reasons behind this error.

1. One of the most common reasons is that the user is trying to open the latest version file into an older version database.
2. Another common reason is that the Access database file you’re trying to open is corrupted.
3. Maybe you’re using an older or MS Office service pack or you’ve not updated it for a long time.
4. The reasons might be issues in software or hardware.
5. Your system might be under a virus attack.
6. The Access database file might be oversized.
7. One of the hardware-related issues like bad sectors on your hard drive might be the reason, provided that the file resides on the bad sector.
8. Your Microsoft Office suite might be malfunctioning.
9. You might see this error if the splitting of the Access database file isn’t done properly.

How to solve MS Acess Unrecognized Database Format error?

To identify and resolve the error, you should be aware of the reasons first. One of the most common reasons is to file corruption.

To solve the error, you can try out the following methods.

1. Give adequate permissions to network users

One of the leading causes of this error is not giving adequate permissions. In case you have upgraded from an earlier version of Windows Server to one of the latest versions, you’re likely to come across the error. When you’re upgrading, part of the process requires you to take some steps so you can add ownership designations. You need to remove previous ones and replace them with new ones. You also need to give permissions to make changes or access the database file.

When upgrading from a previous version to a recent version, make sure to do it correctly so you don’t encounter the Unrecognized Database Format error. One solution you can practice to fix the error is to give all network users full rights to the database. An alternative is to give admin rights to those users and then check it to assure that some users aren’t locked out from accessing the database.

2. Import corrupt database into new MS Access Database

You can try to fix this error by importing the corrupt database into the new MS Access database. To do so, follow the below steps:

• Open your MS Access application and use the Create option to create a new database file.
• When you open the new database file window, click the External Data tab from the top bar.

• Now you need to click the Access option from the menu.
• When you click the Access button, you’ll see a new window on the screen as below.

• In the Get External Data window, you need to browse the file and import it to a new database you created above.
• Click the Browse button and select the database file in the dialog box.
• After you click the Open button, hit the OK button.
• Make a selection for the objects in Import Objects dialog box and click the OK button again.
• Now you need to complete your selected objects to import the file successfully. Now click the Save import button and hit the Close button.

3. Troubleshoot frxque32.mdb file issue

• The first step is to uninstall the frxque32.mdb file and then install a new file.
• Now you need to change the name of the frxque32.mdb file to “frxque32.old.” You’ll find this file in the sysdata folder.
• Go to your local hard drive search option and find the frxque32.tpl file.
• Once you have located the file, copy it to the sysdata folder.
• Now you need to select the “yes” option to copy the existing file with the new one.
• Once you have swapped the file, you need to rename it and replace the name with mdb.
• Once done, restart your PC to save the changes.

Tips to avoid this error

● Split your database

An important thing you can do to avoid this error is to perform proper splitting. Make sure that the database is split into "front-end" and "back-end" where you should store forms, reports, and the data access page in the front-end while tables in the back-end. The idea behind the split is to reduce the chances of file corruption.

● Never leave the database open

A common reason behind database corruption is leaving the database open. Many users leave it open and the backup program starts taking backup, which results in database file corruption. So make sure you don’t leave it open.

● Exit the database properly

One of the common mistakes is to improperly close the database or forcefully closing it by using the Ctrl-Alt-Delete or End Task function. It can result in database file corruption. It’s recommended that you finish the task and then exit the database properly using the File>Exit Menu option.

● Keep your device’s drivers updated

If your device’s drivers aren’t updated, it can result in file corruption so you should keep drivers updated. According to Microsoft, around 80% of Windows users come across this problem. Whenever users find problems or bugs and report them, Microsoft adds updates to drivers. As a user, you should check whether an update has been released by Microsoft or not. If available, make sure to update your driver.

● Compact and repair regularly

Microsoft Access comes with a built-in utility that allows the user to repair the application regularly and get rid of potential issues. To avoid file corruption or Unrecognized Database Format error, you should use this feature regularly so the performance of the application stays optimal. Microsoft Access lets you set this utility to function on its own on a daily or weekly basis. Adjust the interval depending on your use.

Conclusion

Now that you have read the entire blog post, you should be aware of the MS Access error 3343. You may come across Unrecognized Database format issue for many reasons that are explained above. You can use one of the above ways to get rid of this error.

Make sure that you do exactly as instructed so you get the desired results. If you want to avoid this error in the future, then follow our tips to avoid this issue.

Do share your experiences with us whether the above fixes worked for you or not…!.

FAQs

1. Why is Access so unstable?

There can be a number of reasons that Access is unstable. One of the common reasons is the large size of the database file.

2. Why does MS Access run so slow?

The performance of database file can become slow because of the space occupied by deleted objects. There can be other reasons behind this. You can ensure optimal performance by using Compact and Repair utility regularly.

3. How can I increase my access speed?

You can use the following tips to increase the speed of your database:

• Ensure all tables have primary keys.
• Add secondary indexes for optimization.
• Use Compact and Repair utility regularly.
• Only load those files that you need.