Several MS Access users on different technical forums have reported encountering the unrecognized database format error while accessing the Access database file. A few of the user queries related to the error are:

Query 1:

I have been using Base to run queries against an MS Access 2007 database (.accdb) on XP. Moving to Windows 7 Pro SP1 and having problems connecting to the accdb and getting the error “unrecognized database format.” I have read this thread and done everything there (I believe!) but still encountering the above error message. Any help is much appreciated.

Query 2:

I was using my database just fine. Then, all of a sudden, I was not able to enter anything through a form due to an error. So I closed the Access application and opened it again. Now, whenever I try to open any table or a form linked to a table, I get the error “Unrecognized database format S:\XXX\XXX\xxx.accdb.”

Query 3:

I received the error “Unrecognized Database Format ‘S:\DB-BE.accdb.'” while using the front end of a split database. Can anyone help me to fix the error?

Query 4:

I’ve posted about the same issues several months ago. Apparently, there was a well-known bug causing MS Access users to receive an “Unrecognized Database Format” error while they are entering data. The error indicates that the Access application fails to recognize the database format you are trying to open. In such a case, you may fail to open the database file. Let’s see what causes this error and how to fix it.

Causes of the “Unrecognized Database Format” Error

There could be several reasons for the “unrecognized database format” error, such as:

• Outdated Microsoft Access application
• Corrupted split database
• Database file is corrupted
• Damaged frxque32.mdb file
• Opening the Access latest version file in an older version

Methods to Fix the “Unrecognized Database Format” Error in MS Access

You may encounter the “unrecognized database format” error while using VBA code [Database objects (DAO)] to open the database. Make sure you have permissions to access the database. Sometimes, the error can occur when the database (you are trying to open) is stored on a network file share and multiple users are using it simultaneously. In such a case, you can disable the leasing on system hosting the shared database. If these workarounds don’t work or are not applicable, then follow the below methods.

Method 1: Convert the MS Access Database Format

You can experience the “unrecognized database format” error due to incompatible database file. For example, you are trying to open the database file of an older version of MS Access (2003) in MS Access 2007 or a later version. You can check the MS Access version and the database file extension. If it is incompatible, you can convert the older database file to a newer format. Follow the steps below:

• In Microsoft Access, click on the File option and then click Open.
• Select the Access 2000 or Access 2002-2003 database file (.mdb) you want to convert.
• Click File and then click on the Save As option.
• Click Save Database As.
• Select the Access file type and then select Save As.
• In the Save As dialog box, enter a name in the File Name field and click Save.

Method 2: Rename frxque32.mdb File

Sometimes, you can encounter the runtime error 3343: unrecognized database format due to corrupted frxque32.mdb file. It usually appears when launching the Queue Monitor. The frxque32.mdb file is a component of the FRx SysData Directory required for launching FRx applications. You can rename the corrupted frxque32.mdb file to recreate it.

Method 3: Uninstall Recent Windows Updates

The “unrecognized database format” error in MS Access may occur due to issues with the Windows updates you have installed recently. You can roll back the problematic Windows updates to fix the issue. Here are the steps:

• On your system, click the Start option.
• Select Settings and click Update & Security > Windows Update > View your update history > Uninstall updates.
• Find the Update option, right-click on it, and then select Uninstall.

Method 4: Repair your Access Database You can encounter the “unrecognized database format” error if the database file is corrupted or damaged. You can try Microsoft Access’ built-in utility, Compact and Repair, to repair the corrupt database file. Here’s how to use this utility if the file is not opening:

• Open your Microsoft Access application.
• On the Templates page, double-click the Blank Database option.
• Choose File and then select Close.
• Click Database Tools and then select Compact and Repair Database.
• On the Database to Compact from window, browse and click the affected database and then click Compact.
• Select a location to save the repaired database file and click the Save option.

If the Compact and Repair utility fails to fix the “unrecognized database format” then it might be due to severe corruption in the database file. In such a case, you can try a professional Access database recovery tool, such as Stellar Repair for Access. It can quickly and easily repair highly corrupted .accdb/.mdb files and restore all the data with complete integrity. The tool can help you fix the errors associated with corruption in the database files, including the “unrecognized database format” error.

Conclusion

The unrecognized database format error in MS Access occurs when the application fails to recognize the database file you are trying to open. Above, we have mentioned the causes and the possible methods to resolve this error. If the Access fails to read the database due to data corruption, then you can use Stellar Repair for Access. It is a reliable tool that can help you repair ACCDB/MDB files in just a few simple steps. You can repair the database file of any size and even split database using this tool, without any hiccups.