in message:
Wow - that was a quick response. Thanks so much. Sorry if this is a stupid
question - and I'm not even sure how to ask it - but is it the front end or
back end that I'm attempting to fix? I know the tables are in the back end
but isn't it the front end that I compact & repair? If all goes well and I'm
able to recover the corrupted db/table, should I have the users replace their
copies of the front end or is it sufficient that the table is repaired in the
back end?
If all your tables are in the back end (this should be the case in most situations)
then it is the back-end we need to work on. The front end merely has links
to the data tables and so anything you attempt to implement on the front end
will not solve the corruption issue. The users *should* not need to do anything
with their front ends when everything is fixed. However, no harm will be done
by giving them a fresh FE copy either once the issue is resolved.
Since other users are using this database this is what I would do:
1. Have everyone completely log out of the FE databases.
2. Double check through Explorer that the location of the BE does
not have any residual LDB (locking file) present.
3. Make two copies of the BE file and place in separate folders on
your C drive so you can work on it without interruption.
4. Best case scenario is the users will not need to use the database
when you are fixing it. If they *have* to use it, instruct them that
any changes they make between now and when it is fixed will be
lost. Tell them to keep a record of the changes they make so they
can re-do the changes when everything is working OK.
5. Download and follow the instructions here:
Jetcomp utility available at:
http://support.microsoft.com/?id=273956
6. If everything *appears* to be OK, test, test, and test some more.
7. Create a new blank database, turn off Name AutoCorrect, and then
attempt to import all the data tables from the *fixed* file into this new
container. If all the tables come across OK then I think you should be
in good shape.
8. Go back to the shared folder where the BE is placed on the server.
Delete the existing file. Make sure there is no locking file present. Tell
everyone to close everything.
9. Copy your *fixed* BE into this shared folder. Hopefully everything
should be working again.
10. Create two new folders on the server somewhere where you can
find them. Name them CorruptedBEFile1 and CorruptedBEFile2.
(Two is better than one)
11. Take one of the copies of the old corrupted BE file and place a
copy in each of these folders. Rename the database file to:
CorruptedBEMay262005.mdb in each of the folders
12. Place a copy of the *fixed* file as well into a new folder on the
server (FixedBEFile) and name it FixedBEMay262005.mdb.
Hopefully you should be OK now.
Review the links I provided before as well because some of them
discuss ways to prevent corruption. Very important reading.