How to Convert a Database to Access Format

Access is a popuular Microsoft database program, designed to quickly gather and manipulate information. Access features a greater range of database objects than many of its competitors, as well as the ability to convert databases by importing them into Access. Here's how to do it.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. Create a new Access database by selecting "New Database" from the "File" menu, or open an existing database if you wish to import data into a database you already have.
2. Select "Get External Data" from the "File" menu. Choose "Import…" from the submenu that appears. If you only wish to link a table from an external database, choose "Link Tables…" instead.
3. Click the "Files of type" dropdown list to select the source program in which the database was created. If the application is not specifically named in the list, choose "ODBC Databases."
4. Double-click the name of a table you wish to import and click the "Import" button. If you are only linking tables, click the "Link" button instead.
5. Enter the password for any encrypted file you wish to import in the Password Required dialog box. If none of the files are encrypted, you will not see this dialog box.
6. Confirm the conversion by clicking "OK."
7. Repeat Steps 4-7 for each table you wish to import or link and click "Close." The file names will appear on the "Tables" page of the Database window. Select a table you wish to open and click "Open."

Tips & Warnings

• If you link a table instead of importing it, you can't change its structure, that is, field names, field data types, or field size properties. You can change the name of any linked table, but its new name applies only within Access and not within the original database application.

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