Unrecognised database format

The Unrecognized database format error occurs when you are trying to open a data file that can't be opened.

For single users, the file involved is probably AAUser.mdb. For groups it may be AASite.mdb or one of the doctors files, ending in .aau.

More rarely, it may be the program file, AA2000.mde or the Items or health fund files.

There are two possible explanations for this.

•

You are trying to open a database which is formatted in a more recent version of Access to the version you are using. For example, you are using Access 97 but trying to open an Access 2000 database. This may happen to satellite clients using Access 97 when the practice uses Access 2000 or above. It could also happen on a network system if the 97 runtime is installed on a PC when the data files are in 2000 format. You need to identify the version of Access you are using (Help > About Access Anaesthetics) and the source of the files you are trying to open. For more details, see Problems with Microsoft Access Versions.

•	The database has become damaged (corrupted). This can happen when a power outage occurs, when the computer freezes, when a network link fails, or at any time when AA is not closed gracefully. Usually it can be repaired easily.

Resolution

You need to repair the corrupted file. First try to identify which file is giving the error. It will be shown in the error message.

1.	If AA is open, close it.

2.	Open Windows Explorer (or Computer or Documents) and navigate to the C:\Access Anaesthetics folder.

3.	Double click on the file AAEmergencyRecovery.mde.

4.	Read the instruction on the various options to determine which to use to repair the damaged file.