Access Error: This database is in an unexpected state
CompactDatabase method is a tool that can be executed from within Microsoft Access environment to compact and encrypt the Access database. But you might run into several database corruption issues if you use this method to convert an earlier version database to a later version database. The database must be converted using Convert Database command. However, to solve such database corruption issues, you need to use an updated backup. But if no clean backup is available, you should perform access repair using special third-party tools. You might come across the below error message when trying to open a Microsoft Access 2000 or a later version database: "This database is in an unexpected state. Microsoft Access cant open it" The error further explains that you have used DAO CompactDatabase method instead of the Convert Database command on the Tools menu (Database Utilities submenu) to convert the database from a prior version. It also suggests you to use the convert database command to the original database or to export the database tables to a new database. Cause Such errors are observed after you use DAO (Data Access Object) library to use CompactDatabase method to convert Microsoft Access 97 or an earlier version database. Doing so might leave the database in a corrupted or partially converted state and the database becomes unreadable to Microsoft Access. Solution Following are the possible solutions that you can apply to isolate the problem: If the original copy of the database is available, you can use Convert Database command to convert it. If original format database is not available and has been deleted, you can use Compact and Repair utility to try repairing the database Try recovering the database data, queries by using a module with suitable VB code If this doesnt help or is not feasible, use third-party Access Database Repair tools to repair it. These are special purposed repair access tools designed with advanced technology to analyze, repair and restore the corrupted Access database. Such tools are easy to implement and provide safe database repair in all conditions. Access Recovery is a comprehensive and powerful repair solution for damaged Access databases. It is compatible with Microsoft Access 2007, 2003, 2002 and 2000. It is a safe Access Database Repair utility that restores all database objects including queries, reports, forms, macros and modules. The tool is compatible with Windows Vista, XP, 2003, 2000 and NT.
