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How do I recover from a corrupted database file?

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First published by:
Troy Wolbrink
on 10 Oct 2008
Last revision by:
Troy Wolbrink
on 3 Nov 2013
8 people found this article useful.

57% of people found this useful
How do I recover from a corrupted database file?

Your database file might be corrupt if you begin to receive an error such as the following:

  • The Microsoft Jet database engine cannot find the input table or query...
  • Unrecognized database format...
  • The Microsoft Jet database engine stopped the process because you and another user ...

What can you do in this situation?  You have a few options:

1.  You can try to repair your database in TntMPD.  Under the "File" menu, click on "Rebuild Database".

2.  TntMPD takes auto-backups every time you close the program.  Under the "File" menu, click on "Restore" to try to find a good working recent backup.  Note: Be sure to check the box for "Include backups of other databases." if you recently moved your database.

3.  Perhaps you have a backup of your database file on another computer or external drive.  If you don't already have a good automated backup solution, be sure you keep your TntMPD database on Dropbox.  This way you have automatic continual backups of your database from the last 30 days.

4.  You can try to open the database in Access 2010.  Access 2010 has enhanced database repair functionality.  If this works, in TntMPD you should [File | Utilities | Rebuild Database] to ensure the database structure is correct.

5.  As a last resort, you can:

Note: Be sure to check your disk for errors, as it's quite possible that your hard disk is failing:  http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/helpandsupport/learnmore/tips/kbtip.mspx

Note to Parallels users:  Sometimes these corruptions occur because Windows is not properly shut down. If you exit Parallels the wrong way, this can be similar to pulling the plug on the computer (which is a bad thing to do). So be sure to either suspend Parallels, or choose "Turn Off Computer" from the Windows Start menu when you're done with TntMPD.  It's also important that you keep your database on the local C: drive within Parallels.  This way if Parallels suspends, it's preserves the state of the virtual hard drive in a consistent way.  If it's important that you keep backups of your database on your Mac partition, then configure your auto-backup location appropriately.

Recent Comments

By: RossShearer Posted on 20 Sep 2012 3:33 AM

Troy I tried to send my corrupted file to get recovered but it kept failing because they don't support .mpddb

Is there a way that I can make the file have an access file ending?

By: Troy Wolbrink Posted on 20 Sep 2012 6:48 PM

Hi Ross, this web page shows how to change the file extension:  www.mediacollege.com/.../extension-change.html

By: neale davis Posted on 28 Sep 2012 2:55 PM

Troy,

I have this problem periodically.  yesterday i opened my database like normal.  all was fine.  i went to tasks and deleted (or checked off a bunch of them) and then closed the database like normal.  this morning i try to open and i get that dreaded message:

"unrecognized database format 'Z:\Users\nealedavis3\Documents\Mydocuments\tntmpd\DavisDatabase\mpddb2.mpddb'

i tried what you suggested on the forum, but it didn't work rebuilding or compact and repair.  what are my options at this point?  i don't have a recent db to draw from.  i've been negligent to do what i swore i would always do after the last time i had this problem in the spring.....back up to dropbox.  so what does a guy do?

thanks

By: Troy Wolbrink Posted on 29 Sep 2012 5:26 PM

Neale, under the "File" menu, click on "Restore".  TntMPD makes and keeps auto-backups when you close the program.  Also, if you have a Windows PC (or via Parallels), Access 2010 might be able to repair your database.

By: Camaleon Posted on 18 Oct 2012 5:52 PM

Troy,

Windows files got corrupted and my computer shut down completely to the point that they had to install the programs again.  I was wondering if there was a way to recover my TnTMPD database that we have been working for the past year?  Thank you.  

By: Troy Wolbrink Posted on 27 Oct 2012 8:11 PM

Cameleon, if you don't have a backup, you're only course of action is to try to recover your existing database.  This FAQ article describes the things to try.

By: ConnorPhillips Posted on 14 Dec 2012 8:59 PM

I am helping someone who recently changed computers. The old computer used version 2.1 r77 and has now been wiped.  All of the files from that computer are now on the new one, including his .mpddb file.  I installed 2.1 r88 on his computer and tried opening the file, and it said the file was an "Unrecognized database format". Under details it says it throws this exception: EOleException.  I have brought the file over to my computer, which runs 2.1 r77, and I get the same error. Under the file menu in TntMPD, I have tried rebuilding the database, restoring from backup, searching for a database, and compacting and repairing the database, all to no avail. I tried opening it in Access 2010, and it also says it is corrupt.

Is there anything else I can do here?

Thanks in advance.

By: Troy Wolbrink Posted on 20 Dec 2012 6:15 PM

Hi Connor, check out the last section of this article .... "5.  As a last resort" ...  I'd be willing to take a look at the file if you email it to me (to troy@wolbrinkfamily.com via www.yousendit.com)

By: Jim Kercheval Posted on 14 Jun 2013 4:12 PM

I'm on a Macbook Air running Lion:

My database is corrupted as of yesterday

When I did a Rebuild got this error:  "Unrecognized database format 'Z:\Users\jameswkercheval\Library\Application Support\TntWare\TntMPD\Temp\tmp-BA14.tmp'. "

When I did a Restore I got this error: "Unrecognized database format 'Z:\Users\jameswkercheval\Desktop\Staff Active File\partners.mpddb'."

I also attempted compact and repair and got this error "Unrecognized database format 'Z:\Users\jameswkercheval\Desktop\Staff Active File\partners.mpddb'."

My last Carbonite backup is 14 days ago. I've been on MPD assignment for the past 2 weeks. I have two options. Go back two weeks to my notes and re-enter info as best I can. Or has anyone successfully gotten back their database another way or paid someone to repair a corrupt database?

Praise God He is sovereign over databases. He must want me to spend time on data entry and more frequent backups!  :)

By: Troy Wolbrink Posted on 14 Jun 2013 5:52 PM

Hi Jim,  Send me a copy of your database.  I'll see if I can recover it for you.  (troy@wolbrinkfamily.com)

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