"Can't encrypt database" error message is misleading in Access 97 (162089)


The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Access 97
This article was previously published under Q162089
Novice: Requires knowledge of the user interface on single-user computers.

SUMMARY

When you try to encrypt a database, you may receive the following error message:
You can't encrypt a database that you didn't create or don't own. See the owner of the database or your workgroup administrator.
This message is incomplete. It should also include being a member of the Admins group of the system database that was in use when the database was created as a requirement for encrypting the database.

MORE INFORMATION

The requirements for encrypting a database are as follows:

Microsoft Access requires that one of the following be true for the person trying to encrypt a database:
  • The person is the owner of the database.
  • The person is the creator of the database.
  • The person is a member of the Admins group in the workgroup (the default name is system.mdw) that was in use when the database was created.
Note Encrypting a database compacts the database file and makes it unreadable by a utility program or word processor. It is used to prevent someone using a file or disk editor from reading or writing data directly to an .MDB file, bypassing the Microsoft Jet database engine.
Modification Type:MinorLast Reviewed:1/26/2005
Keywords:kberrmsg KB162089
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