How to Find a Microsoft Access Back-End Database from the Front End
Question details
The user needs to locate the server path of a back-end database from an older Microsoft Access front-end, or copy linked tables for migration to SQL and Power Apps.
- Product
- Microsoft Access
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Migrating an older Microsoft Access database to SQL or Power Apps by locating the original back-end server path or converting linked data to local copies.
- Observed behavior
- The user needs to identify where the linked tables are hosted or successfully convert those linked tables into local tables for extraction.
Before modifying table connections or converting linked data to local tables, create a secure backup copy of your front-end Microsoft Access database file to prevent accidental data loss.
Locate the Back-End Database Path via Tooltips or Linked Table Manager
The fastest way to identify the location of your linked tables is by inspecting them directly in the Navigation Pane or utilizing the built-in Linked Table Manager.
In Microsoft Access, linked tables act as shortcuts to data stored in a separate back-end database. You can quickly view the exact server or file path without breaking any connections.
Open your Access database and expand the Navigation Pane on the left. Simply hover your mouse cursor over any linked table icon. A tooltip will pop up displaying the full path to the back-end database.
If you are using Access 2013 or later, navigate to the 'External Data' tab on the top ribbon and click on 'Linked Table Manager'. This window will display a comprehensive list of all linked tables along with their corresponding back-end database locations.
Convert Linked Tables to Local Tables for Migration
If your goal is to extract the data for migration to SQL or Power Apps, converting the linked tables into local tables inside the front end makes copying easier.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Why does the tooltip not show the full path of my linked Access table?
If the network path or connection string is excessively long, the Navigation Pane tooltip might truncate it. In this scenario, you should use the Linked Table Manager from the External Data tab to view the complete server string.
Will converting linked tables to local tables delete data from the back-end?
No, converting to local tables only pulls the current data from the back-end server and saves a disconnected copy inside your front-end file. The original back-end database remains completely untouched.
Can I relink tables if the back-end database is moved to a new server?
Yes. If the back-end database is relocated, you can open the Linked Table Manager, select the broken linked tables, check the box to prompt for a new location, and point the front-end to the new server.
What versions of Microsoft Access support the Linked Table Manager?
The Linked Table Manager is a core feature that has been included in Microsoft Access for decades, and operates similarly across Access 2010, 2013, 2016, 2019, and the latest Microsoft 365 versions.
