How to change the default file format in MS Access?

Those who are using MS Access 2007-2010 version, might face the problem on incompatibility between the earlier versions and newer versions of MS Access database files. When you create a new blank database, you provide its file name. By default, the file is given the “.accdb” extension. .accdb is the extension for Access 2007-2010 file format and is not readable by earlier versions of MS Access.

 
In MS Access 2010, you have the option of creating files in either the Access 2000 format or the Access 2002-2003 format (both with the extension “.mdb”). Then, when you create a new database file, the resulting file is created in the earlier Access format and can be shared with others who use that version of Access. But it won’t be shareable with those who don’t have Access 2010.

 
In order to change the default file format of MS Access database file, you need to perform the following steps:

 
  • Click the File tab.
  • Under Help, click Options.
  • In the Access Options dialog box, click Popular.
  • Under Creating databases, in the Default file format box, select the file format you want as the default.
  • Click OK.
  • Click the Office Button, and then point to New.
  • To create a new file, type the file name you want (be sure to leave the extension as it is) and click Create. If you don't want to create a file at this time, click Cancel.

 
If there is corruption in Access database file and you are not able to access it properly, then perform Access file recovery on the corrupt file. Access file recovery software is the best option for accurate and timely recovery of data.