a2003 should have no problems converting a a97 database.
I have converted some very complex applications without any incident.
And, as mentioned, the last 3 versions by default use the a2000 format.
It is possible you are trying to convert something OLDER then a97...perhaps
a a2.0 application. Note that this is over 10 years old!!
(question: what other software are you using that is more then 10 years
old!!).
access 2002 was the last version that can convert access 2.0.
Do be aware, that un-like apple computer which on several occasions in the
past (above) type time frame has forced you to throw out ALL software, and
start over again.
In the example of MS, you can go out and purchase a BRAND new pc, and
actually install access 2.0 on that machine. In fact, you can go back and
install the original version of Visi-calc (the first spreadsheet) that came
out in 1981. That is a long time ago. Note that none of the old software
from Apple (the 80's or even the 90's) does NOT work on a new machine
(imagine that, all of you old SOFTWARE does NOT run at all!!...you can't
even install the old stuff!!!). Thus, your software investment has been
protected very well indeed when you look at MS's track record here.
I have clients of mine buying brand new machines, and yet they freely run
old FoxPro applications I wrote in 1987. (that is FoxPro for dos!).
I am only pointing out the above, since when you compare Microsoft to the
rest of the industry, their beat everyone by a COUNTRY MILE in terms of
compatibility here. None of the desktop competitors to Microsoft can even
hold up a candle in terms of being close when we talking about compatibility
of software. You are STILL free to install and use a old version of word, or
ms-access on a new machine today.
It is possible that you actually do have a VERY old mdb file you wish to
convert. If you are getting a message about the file being too old, then
likely you are taking about a access 2.0 (or earlier) application. That is
OVER ten years old now. However, MS in their wisdom has even provided a
download and utility that lets you convert those older files. This utility
is for a2003 users only.
You can find the conversion utility here:
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/...f8-f3ab-41e9-902a-2255a66e1c4a&displaylang=en
Note to readers: You used have to contact support to get the above
file...now it is just a download freely available to anyone...
However, you might want to just find a machine running access97, or a2000,
or a2002, as they CAN and will convert the older versions. (and then a2003
will have no trouble with the older file).
a2003 will convert office 97, and even all the way back to office 95. I
mean, there has got to be a reasonable cut off point here somewhere
eventually!
As mentioned, that old software will actually run on a brand new machine
(so, as compared to companies like Apple, you are NOT forced to upgrade
here).
So, you can either get the above conversion utility, or even consider
installing a97 on your new computer..and that will convert the old file(s).
If you think about this, you should have little problems converting that
older file, and MS is providing PLENTY of avenues here for you. It is not
like you been left hanging out to dry in the cold here.
So, use the above utility, or simply install a95, a97, a2000, a2002, (or
even just "find" a machine with a older version). Anyway, virtually any
older version you got should convert those older files....or you can grab
the converter....
