Member Avatar for kramero

Hi,

I forgot my Ms. Access Database password. :eek:
Is there a way that I can recover it..?

For your information, I split the database into two files, the front end and the back end. Now, I can't open the back end, although the front end still works.

Help.... :confused:

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  • Latest Post Latest Post by jbennet

Dani AI

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This thread correctly identifies the two important facts: the back-end is password-protected, and the front-end still opens. split databases behave exactly that way. The recovery options depend on the Access file type: .accdb (Access 2007+) uses stronger built-in encryption and, per Microsoft, a lost database password cannot be removed or recovered without the password. Microsoft: Encrypt a database by using a database password. was right that third-party tools exist, and ’s Shift-tip is useful for bypassing startup macros—but holding SHIFT only bypasses startup options, it does not unlock an encrypted database. Microsoft: Bypass startup options (SHIFT).

Practical recovery path (no cracking): if the front-end can still open and read the linked tables, export the data into a new back-end. The TransferDatabase method automates this; a short VBA loop will copy each linked table’s structure and rows into a new .accdb/.mdb (no need to open the protected back-end directly). See the official reference for the method. DoCmd.TransferDatabase (Microsoft Docs)

Example VBA (run from the front-end; adjust targetPath):

Sub ExportLinkedTablesToNewBackend()
    Dim tdf As DAO.TableDef
    Dim targetPath As String
    targetPath = "C:\path\newBackend.accdb"
    For Each tdf In CurrentDb.TableDefs
        If Len(tdf.Connect) > 0 Then
            DoCmd.TransferDatabase acExport, "Microsoft Access", targetPath, acTable, tdf.Name, tdf.Name, False
        End If
    Next
End Sub

If the front-end cannot access the back-end, recovery options depend on format: legacy .mdb/user-level security is often recoverable with reputable tools; modern .accdb encryption resists simple removal and may only be addressable by brute-force or commercial recovery suites (Elcomsoft/Passware etc.). If exploring tools, back up the file first, use only reputable vendors, and be aware strong passwords can be impractical to brute-force. For guidance on linking and saved credentials (why the front-end might still work), see Microsoft’s linking documentation. Linking and Save Password notes.

Checklist: make a file backup, confirm .mdb vs .accdb, try the front-end export method, then consider vetted recovery tools or professional help if needed.

Recommended Answers

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Member Avatar for cpopham

There are several apps depending on the ver of access that you are using. Do a search on google and you will find several.

Member Avatar for jbennet

hold down shift when double clicking the database file - keep holding it down when you are choosing things like "do you want to allow scripts" etc...

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