How to convert a MDE to a MDB

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There are moments when you will need to extract the information from a MDE and store it into a MDB database. This means that you cannot extract the modules, but you will usually not need them for a MDB database.

There are two ways to achieve the task we just mentioned. One uses free software. The other one is probably more reliable, but uses non-free software.

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Method 1: The free method

This method uses completely free software. However, it does not work if all you have is the frontend of the database, or if some table links are invalid. In any of these cases, it is better to use the other method, listed below.

  • Serge Gavrilov's "MDE forms/reports extractor v1.1" is an excellent tool .You can use it to import all the forms and reports at once.
  • You can import the macros using Serge Gavrilov's "SaveAs/LoadFrom Text File v1.0". You can export macros stored in MDE files, one at a time, into a plain-text format. While this can be rather awkward to do if you have many macros to export, it is a good idea to use it and store the plain-text files you obtain. You may need them again.
  • Microsoft Access can also generate VBA code from macros using the "Convert Macros to Visual Basic" under Tools, Macros. However, the function is not very reliable and you should proofread the generated code to make sure it works correctly.
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Method 2: Non-free method

This method works much better when you need to work with large databases. However, it is obviously more expensive, unless you already have the tools.

  • From the Tools menu, select Recover Design Master and make the MDB the Design Master.
  • Convert every macro to Visual Basic (Macro, Tools, "Convert Macros to Visual Basic". Again, it is advisable to proofread the generated code.
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