ACC2000: Cannot Create New Objects or Save Design Changes in an Access Database (308641)


The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Access 2000
This article was previously published under Q308641
Novice: Requires knowledge of the user interface on single-user computers.

This article applies only to a Microsoft Access database (.mdb).

SYMPTOMS

When you try to create a new object in an existing Access database, the New buttons may be unavailable and you therefore cannot create the object. The Save button may also be unavailable, preventing you from saving any design changes.

CAUSE

This behavior can occur if the database was created in an earlier version of Access and has not been converted to the current version. You cannot make design changes to databases that are in earlier formats.

RESOLUTION

To work around this behavior, convert the database to Access 2000 format:
  1. Close the database if it is open, but leave Access 2000 running.
  2. On the Tools menu, point to Database Utilities, point to Convert Database, and then click To Current Access Database Version.
  3. In the Database to Convert From dialog box, locate and click the database, and then click Convert.
  4. In the Convert Database Into dialog box, type a unique name for the converted database in the File name box, and then click Save.
  5. Open the converted database. Note that the New buttons are now enabled.

STATUS

This behavior is by design.

MORE INFORMATION

When you first open an Access database from an earlier version, a prompt asks whether you want to convert the database or open the database. If you choose to open the database, the New buttons that are used to create new tables, forms, reports, and so on, along with the Save button, appear dimmed. If you later open the database again, no prompt appears, but the New and the Save buttons remain dimmed.

Steps to Reproduce the Behavior

  1. On the File menu in Access, click Open.
  2. Locate and select an Access database that has been created in a previous version and has not yet been opened in Access 2000.
  3. Click Open.
  4. In the Convert/Open Database dialog box, click Open Database, and then click OK.
  5. Click OK in the message that tells you that you cannot make design changes to objects in the database.
  6. Note that the New buttons for the different objects are unavailable. You cannot create new objects.
Modification Type:MajorLast Reviewed:6/28/2004
Keywords:kbprb kbui KB308641
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