Access Database File Size

Deleted records don't seem to be reused in an Access 2003 Database. At least not in one less than 2 meg in file size. Although the same number of records are deleted as added, the database keeps growing. The table that the files are being added to and deleted from has only simple data types in it. Excluse access to the database is not an option as multiple users can be attached to the database at the same time.

How can I keep the database from growing beyond control?

You need to use the option tools-database utilities-compact and repair.

You actually are correct that deleted records space is NOT given back until
you do the above.

How often you need to do the above will depend on how "busy" the database
is.

Give the above a try..and then check the results..


--
Albert D. Kallal (Access MVP)
Edmonton, Alberta Canada

http://www.attcanada.net/~kallal.msn

When you delete a record you don't automatically regain the space that the deleted record occupied. You have to compact the database to optimise its file size and regain the space. To compact a database:

1) Open the database to be compacted
2) From the Tools menu choose Database Utilities|Compact and Repair Database

The database will be compacted and repaired and saved as the same name that you stated with.

If you want to compact the DB and save it with a different name:

1) Close all open databases, but don't exit from Access
2) From the Tools menu choose Database Utilities|Compact and Repair Database
3) User the browser to select the db that you want to compact and double click it
4) Enter the new name that you wish to call the compacted db
5) Click Save

CAUTION: The compact process occasionally fails and the database will usually be unrecoverable afterward. Therefore make a copy of it before compacting or use the second method to compact it with a different name, if you do this the original will be untouched.

----- Maybeso wrote: -----

Deleted records don't seem to be reused in an Access 2003 Database. At least not in one less than 2 meg in file size. Although the same number of records are deleted as added, the database keeps growing. The table that the files are being added to and deleted from has only simple data types in it. Excluse access to the database is not an option as multiple users can be attached to the database at the same time.

How can I keep the database from growing beyond control?