How to Fix MS Access Unrecognized Database Format Error Code 3343?

Microsoft Access users face a common error as the ‘Unrecognized database format across the world’. This error arises due to numerous reasons. Here in this writeup, we will discuss the error,  responsible reasons, and corresponding solutions. Let’s discuss the causes of the ‘unrecognizable database error along with the possible corresponding solutions. 

But before that Let’s understand what are unrecognized databases Errors or error code 3343.

What is Unrecognized Databases Format MDB/ACCDB Errors?

When users access  ACCDB/ MDB File in MS Access versions such as 2010 or 2013 or 2016, generally the users get an Access Database error. Two types of error are displayed one is “Access Error code 3343”.  This error is also refer as a frxque32.mdb file. As this error occurs, when the frxque32.mdb file gets corrupt. Independently of the version of MS Access that is in use, the unrecognizable database format error can be shown.  

The Error occurs as a result of the uncontrolled reasons for interpreting users to step out of the database. Somehow in some cases, the users can execute some database functions like compact and repair even with the existing error. Therefore it is very important to fix this issue to access the database properly. 

Read Here: How to open MDB/ACCDB without Access

Cause 1: Insufficient permissions to access the database

When users upgrade their Windows server from Windows 2003 to Windows 2008 R2. They follow numerous steps as the deletion of the old ownership and permission to save all the files on an external HDD, creating new owners, assigning permissions to new owners, providing full access, and many more. 

But somehow even after executing these steps carefully and sincerely only the domain administrator gets access to the Microsoft Access database. So, when the other users try to view the Access DB file on the same server, they receive an error message – “Unrecognized Database Formats, the database is corrupt or in an inconsistent state”.

Solution:

• If in the case where domain admin receives the complete access rights to view the Access database on the server. Then the issues arise because of permissions on the domain or that folder where the Access database is placed. Providing complete permissions to all users on the network share will help to resolve the “Unrecognized Databases Format, the database is corrupt or in an inconsistent state”.
• If the issue still exists, give Local Admin rights to all the users on that server.
• At the last, check the custom permissions on the database which displays the error. 

 The domain administrator should confirm the following with the view of users accessing the Access database:

1. Users must sign in to the domain where the Access database is placed.
2. Users are granted local and custom admin rights to access the database, as needed.

Read here: How to Open MDB/ACCDB without password

Cause 2: With Access 2016 along with Microsoft Visual Studio 2012

A similar error appears when a user tries to access the Microsoft Visual Access 2016 database while working on Visual Studio 2012. The ways of events are here:

1. The user chooses the Database source type and the Dataset database model.
2. The software questioned which database connection to use to connect to the database. When the user taps on “New User”, and selects the Microsoft Access Database File.
3. Next, the application checks the type of database connection to be used when the user says: “New Connection.”
4. The user presses on “New Connection” and chooses the file name – Microsoft Access Database File (OLE DB).
5. When the filename appears, the user chooses an appropriate file – “xyz.accdb”
6. A user ensures the connection by pressing the Test Connection, which results in an error as Unrecognized database format’ C:…..\xyz.accdb. 

In this case, the error occurs because of the difference generated by the line provider or Microsoft Ace OLE DB version on the Line Provider.  Therefore, install the upgraded version in the Server Explorer to fix the issue in this case like Microsoft.ACE.OLEDB.4.0 is an upgrade to Microsoft.ACE.OLEDB.12.0.

Solution:

Fix this error by upgrading the application Microsoft.ACE.OLEDB.4.0 to Microsoft.ACE.OLEDB.12.0. Upgrade and connect the Access 2016 by following the below-given steps:

• Add a new Data source and press on Database, followed by Dataset.
• Go to New Connection and tap on Microsoft Access Database File.
• Choose ACCDB file.
• Press Advanced to modify the provider’s name.
• Hit OK to add connection to Windows Test connection and verify.

You must have Microsoft.ACE.OLEDB.12.0 and not Microsoft.Jet.OLEDB.4.0 because the earlier version is not able to identify the database in ACCDB format.

Cause 3: Opening the database with various versions, and sudden closure

1. Saving and accessing of Access DB file with distinct versions results in conflict or variance in the MS Access database because of version conflict.
2. The sudden shutdown of the database file or system while the database is executing a backend operation results in a Microsoft Access  Database Format Error. Forceful termination of the Access file results in incomplete query resolution. It causes damage to the Access database.
3. Same as above if the system closes without finishing the “Access file saving” process,  also results in inconsistency in the Access database. It gives the error message as “Unrecognized Database Format, the database is corrupt or in an inconsistent state”. 

Solution :

Damage Access database  results in corruption, that the user can fix by using an auto repair tool of Microsoft i.e., compact, and database repair tool :

• Initialize Microsoft Access and Access Database Tools
• Choose  the Database tool “Compact and Repair Database” option
• A new window appears here, choose the database file that displays the error code
• Press on compact to start the Access database repair process

Limitations of Compact and Repair utility: 

• This tool is of no use to repair severely corrupted database
• The drive must have sufficient space to store the compacted and the original database.
• This tool is not able to repair the entire components of the database. 

Conclusion:

Microsoft Access Unrecognized Database Format Error” is displayed when users upgrade the system or try to access the Microsoft Access database file with distinct applications like Microsoft Visual Studio. These are very complex and difficult to fix manually. So to avoid complexities and difficulties users can fix these errors with MS Access Database Repair Tool. Both technical and non-technical users can easily use this tool. 

Related Post