Loading .mdb file into Excel 2013

MikeH2

New Member
Joined
Jan 3, 2012
Messages
13
I have a program that creates an .mdb file.
I can import that file into Excel 2007 via the >Data>From Access menu chain.
When I try to do the same thing in Excel 2013 I am presented with a Data Link Properties box with the connection tab selected.
In Box 1 - The Data Source information appears correct (it's got the correct file and path name in it).
But Box 2 Requires me to provide information to log onto the server (Username is initially provided as "Admin" and Password is initially grayed out, both bland password and Allow saving password boxes are initially checked). When I click the "Test Connection" button - I get a message that reads:

"Test connection failed because of an error in initializing provider. Cannot open a database created with a previous version of your application".

When I change the login information to provide my username and password for the computer, I get a message that reads:

"Test connection failed because of an error in initializing provider. Cannot start your application. the workgroup information file is missing or opened exclusively by another user".

Is there any way that I can get Excel 2013 to open the same .mdb file that Excel 2007 was able to handle?

Thanks

Mike
 

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I don't have the answer (not familiar with 2013 versions of office) but in general you want to be sure you are using the correct "provider". Access 2013 supports SQL Server engines as well as ACE/JET engines. Your .mdb is probably created with ACE/JET. Look for something that allows you to select the provider and be sure it is described as an "MS Access" provider (and says nothing about SQL Server).

Access database generally use Admin as the default user, and no passwords, unless you have explicitly done something to change these things. So it sounds like you shouldn't need to provide a password, and if you are being asked for one, it's probably because you are using the wrong provider. I might be wrong, but I think the default password for the default user is just an empty string, which is why you don't usually need to do anything.

For what it's worth, you can also try upgrading your database to .accdb -- not sure, again, if that would matter or not. I've been using .mdb files for many years now (quite happily) but basically the .accdb files are the same thing and will work just as well. I seriously doubt MS is no longer supporting .mdb in Office 2013 but they may be making it a little harder for you ... (?)
 
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