How to Fix MS Access Error 3343: Unrecognized Database Format

The article throws light on one of the frequent MS Access error i.e. Access error 3343 Unrecognized database format, reasons for the error and the possible fixes to tackle it.

Microsoft Access is popular across the globe owing to its user-friendliness. Access has been traditionally known as desktop database system because it functions from a single system (unlike a client/server system where the database applications are installed on a server and then accessed from multiple client systems) across the network. In Microsoft access, files are saved with a .accdb extension. Also, some older access databases save files with .mdb extension.
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But, like other applications, it also throws errors. One of the common error that most of the users encounter in access database is:

MS Access Error 3343 Unrecognized Database Format in MS Access

Now, the first question that comes in the mind of user why this error occurs. So, let’s discuss more this error. Also, common reasons and respective solutions will be elaborated further.

Reasons for the Access error 3343 Unrecognized database format along with the solutions to resolve them

There are some ways using which users can easily resolve the runtime Access error 3343 unrecognized database format in MS Access 2016, 2013, 2010 and 2007 versions. You can go through any method accordingly.

#1 Opening the Access database in older versions

When the user tries to open the database in Access 2010 that is created with Access 2013. In that case, the user encounters the error 3343 unrecognized database format. It usually happens as the ACCESS 2013 uses the latest indexed process that is incompatible with ACCESS 2010.

Solution

To troubleshoot the unrecognized database format access error 3343, go through the below steps:

• Go to Settings, click on Files and then, press Options.
• Now, in the Creating Database, go to New Database Sort Order.
• Ensure to check the General > Legacy setting, followed by followed by ‘General’ format Microsoft
• Access 2010 will not open it.

After the successful modification, open it in versions of MS Access database 2010.

#2 Due to the corrupted database

There are chances that users face this error message due to corruption in their access database but not to worry. It is not something that can’t be fixed. The reasons behind this corruption can be human errors, splitting large files into multiple small files, virus attack, the improper exit of Access application etc.

Solution

To fix this issue, follow these steps:

• First, create a new database.
• Click on Access to import option under the external data tab.
• Now, click on Browse and then on locate the corrupt database file. Further, press Ok button on the
• Window prompt.
• At last, select the complete database objects to import and then click the OK button.

Using compact and repair utility to fix the error

If using the above methods, the Access error 3343 unrecognized database format does not get resolved, you can use the compact and repair utility. To run this utility, follow:

• First, select the Tools option, click on Database Utilities and choose Compact and Repair option.
• You can now save the recovered database file to a newly specified location.

Using an Access database recovery tool

Sometimes, using the above mentioned manual steps the Access error 3343 unrecognized database format does not get fixed. In that scenario, it is wise to employ a professional Access database recovery tool. This tool is featured with advanced algorithm to recover data from corrupted Access database files without any data loss. It is one of the prominent solutions for Access database recovery.

Conclusion

In the above write-up, we have come across the multiple ways to resolve MS Access Error 3343 in detail. All the probable reasons behind the occurrence of the error are also described. Also, a professional way of using Access database recovery tool has been explained to fix MS Access unrecognized database error 3343.

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