How to covert a replica copy of a database into master copy

[JackieB]

We have inherited a very old (pre 1998) access database. I would like to update and add some items but as it is not the master it will not let me. It has been on so many computers, finally ending up on an external hard drive, that we have no idea where the master copy has gone. Can I unlock it as the information already stored is very important?

The original was set up under a MDB file. My copy is a replica and as such I cannot make any changes. I need to know how to make this copy a "Master" copy so that I can add and change fields.

[Jim Doherty]

@JackieB
When you say unlock it...is it password protected MDB file as defined by 'Access' in that it was secured using an .MDA file if so do you have the MDA file associated with it?

[Jim Doherty]

@JackieB
Create a new database on your hard drive open it and go to Tools....Get external data and import all objects on each tab into the new database. You may well get compilation error warnings given it is an old version 2 or 97. At least you will have all objects and tables plus data including any code.

You will then have to deal with any conflicts in 16 bit declaration code as essentially you will be upgrading to your current version Access doing it this way because you have lost the master copy

[JackieB]

Hi Jim,

Thank you for that but is there any quicker way? I appear to have to do this table by table to ensure that the GUID and Lineage are not transferred. Is this right?

Thank you.

[Jim Doherty]

@JackieB
ok If there are issues here then here is the official line (the last link being for an A97 version :)

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/208394/
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/153526/
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/168398/