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gordonwwaughFlag for United States of America

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Try to convert MDB to ACCDB, get "file already in use" message

I am trying to convert an Access 2003 (MDB) database to an Access 2010 (ACCDB) database via the Access 2010 user interface. I have followed the Help directions shown below. However, when I do the last step (click Save As), get a "file already open" error message. It says that the file I selected is already open. My SaveAs filename is definitely different from the original database's filename. The original database file is only open once--when I just opened it to convert it.
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To convert an Access 2000 or Access 2002 - 2003 database (.mdb) to the .accdb file format, you must first open the database by using Access 2007 or Access 2010, and then save it in the .accdb file format.

1.On the File tab, click Open.

2.In the Open dialog box, select and open the Access 2000 or Access 2002 - 2003 database (.mdb) that you want to convert.
 Note    If the Database Enhancement dialog box appears, the database is using a file format that is earlier than Access 2000. To continue, see the section Convert an Access 97 database to the .accdb format.

3.On the File tab, click Save & Publish, and then, under Database File Types click Access Database (*.accdb).

4.Click Save As.
If any database objects are open when you click Save As, Access prompts you to close them prior to creating the copy. Click Yes to make Access close the objects, or click No to cancel the entire process. If needed, Access will also prompt you to save any changes.

5.In the Save As dialog box, type a file name in the File name box, and then click Save.
Access creates the copy of the database, and then opens the copy. Access automatically closes the original database.
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Why am I getting the "file already open" error message?


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peter57r
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With Access 2007/2010, I prefer to create a new blank .accdb and import all the objects from the .mdb.

I find that this eliminates some of the stuff form the previous version that cause  issues in the Access 2007/2010.
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ASKER

That did it!

I do, indeed, have an autoexec macro. Disabling it by holding the shift key when opening the database fixed the problem.

Thanks!
If you start having issue then import all the object into a new database.  I end up having to do this on almost every converted database.