Data saved in the Microsoft Access database can become inaccessible when an error message is encountered at MS Access startup. Few main factors responsible for the occurrence of an error message can be MS Office malfunctioning, missing system.mdw file, malicious software like virus and more. In such situations, an up-to-date backup enables you to restore your lost data. However, if you have not created any backup or backup fails to restore the required data, then you need to opt for advanced access recovery applications.

Consider a practical example, where you created a custom profile for few database users who can access and modify the database. After creating the custom profile, when you attempt to start Microsoft Access 2000, you encounter the below error message:

“An error occurred and this feature is no longer functioning properly. Would you like to repair this feature now?”

Furthermore, when you click on Yes or No, you encounter another error message:

“Microsoft Access couldn’t find file ’system.mdw’. This file is required for startup.”

The data saved in the MS Access database becomes inaccessible after above error message appears. In addition, you encounter the same error message each time you attempt to open the database.

Cause

The root cause for the occurrence of the above error message is the untraceable system.mdw file. This is a workgroup file that is required at the time of MS Access startup. The error message occurs when all the below conditions are true:

• The workgroup file is not positioned in the similar folder as Msaccess.exe.
• The shortcut that you are using to start MS Access does not contain a /Wrkgrp switch, which points to a valid workgroup file.
• The custom profile that you are using does not contain a “Jet” subkey, which points to a valid workgroup file.

Resolution

To resolve the above issue and open the database, you will need to use advanced Access Recovery applications to repair the database. These Access Repair applications incorporate powerful scanning methods to provide comprehensive repair and restoration of all Access database components. Such recovery tools enable you to completely recover and restore both (.accdb and .mdb) Access database files.

With self-descriptive user interface and to-the-point documentation, these recovery applications serve as easy-to-understand tools.

Stellar Phoenix Access Recovery is the foremost Access Repair application. It recovers all database components such as queries, forms, reports, macros and modules. The software supports Microsoft Access 2007, 2003, XP (2002) and 2000. This read only access database repair application is compatible with Windows Vista, XP, 2003, 2000 and NT.