Access 2003 VBA Programmer's Reference

A.3. Converting to Access 2003

You can convert a Microsoft Access database from 2.0 or later to the Access 2000 or Access 2003 file format. You can also convert an Access Project (connected to SQL Server) from Access 2000 to the Access 2003 file format. Keep in mind that converting a database affects only the file that is being converted; it does not affect linked tables.

Before you convert any database, always make a backup. OK, you probably already planned on doing that, but it can't be overemphasized. A handy way to make a backup is to put all associated files into a clearly named zip file. Using a zip file or putting the backup in a different folder provides just a little extra insurance in case something goes awry during a conversion process. With a split database, it is important that all linked tables are in the locations specified in the path in the Linked Table properties. And, if at all possible, compile the database before converting it. This extra step is certainly worth the time because it reduces the possibility of errors during conversion. Fortunately, Access 2003 will open and compile an Access 2000 file. However, databases created in Access 97 or before must be opened by their "original" version of Access to be compiled.

NOTE

When converting a database that contains linked tables, be sure that the linked tables are still in the location specified in the Table properties. After the database has been converted, the tables can be moved and the Linked Table Manger ...