Access Database opens as read only

Question

I created an mdb database and saved it.

Now I want to modify it but it says it's ReadOnly so I cannot change anything.

It's an access 2000 file opened with access 2007.

How can I change this please?

Answer 1

Another thing to watch for is when someone has access to READ the fileshare, but cannot WRITE to the directory. It's OK to make the database read-only for someone, but if they ever read it (including using an ODBC connection), it seems like they need to have WRITE permissions for the directory so they can create the lock file.

I've run into situations where the database gets locked read-only on the fileshare because the user who accessed it couldn't write to the directory. The only way to fix that quickly has been a call to the storage team, who can see who has the file and kick them off.

Answer 2

If someone else has the database open, then ask them to close it. If the database was not closed cleanly (Access or a computer crashed), then you can try to Compact and Repair the file.

I have also noticed that if the file is opened or put in a read-only state at any time, it might get 'stuck' like that. So try this:

1. Open Access, but no database
2. Open the file in question, but explicitly open it in read-only mode (the 'Open' button is actually a dropdown button. Use the button to open read-only
3. Close the file (but not Access)
4. Open the file again, but open normally.

Not sure it that's a bug or a feature, but I've seen it frustrate many a user.

Answer 3

Create an empty folder and move the .mdb file to that folder. And try opening it from there. I tried it this way and it worked for me.