MS Access Database File Formats: ACCDB vs MDB

MS Access 2007 releases with the new file format .accdb and the previous versions has .mdb file format. Every new version comes up with few changes and these changes were visible in MS Access 2007 and the later versions. In this blog, we will see the benefits of .accdb file over the .mdb file. Let’s discuss the benefits of the .accdb file over the .mdb file.

By using the .accdb file you will be able to:

• Multivalued Fields: This field allows the user to select one or more options for the field values and this process is done by the checkbox. It is same as the different options on clothing like Small, Medium, Large and Extra Large etc.
• Attachments: The ACCDB file format allows storing the file attachments and other BLOBs (Binary Large Objects) in database fields. 
• Improved Encryption: By this feature, you can choose the database password and make the database content encrypted. MS Access database uses the Windows Crypto API for the encryption.
• Safe and Secure Integration with Outlook and SharePoint: Outlook and SharePoint do not allow .mdb file databases due to the security issues. In.accdb file format, these issues are solved properly and allow the validation for the security. 

Disadvantage in .accdb file format:

• Replication: The .accdb file format does not support the replication. 
• User-Level Security: This feature is not supported by the .accdb file but, use the encryption option which makes your data unreadable by tools and other programs.
• Design and Modification Work: All the versions which supports .accdb file format are not handy for the design purpose.

How can I convert the .mdb file to. accdb?

To convert the .mdb file to .accdb file, follow these steps:

• Open the Database.
• Click on the File tab.
• Click on the Open option and select the database which you want to convert.
• Again, click on the File tab.
• Select the Save Database As option under File Types.
• Select the .mdb file format and click on the Save As button.
• Select the location to save the file.Click on the Save button.

How can I convert the .accdb file to .mdb?

This is the basic question which comes in the user’s mind. Well, to know this process just read the following steps:

• First of all, close all the opened objects of the database.
• Click on the File tab then go to the Save As option.
• Now you can convert into Access 2002-2003 or Access 2000 database. Both support .mdb file format.
• Now click on the Save As button.

Note:  You can change the name of the .mdb file and the location.

Conclusion: We have seen the important difference between .accdb and .mdb files and need of these formats. Well, this is about the difference but, users choose them according to their requirement.