Why Convert Access Database to ACCDE format

Covert an Access Database to ACCDE Format

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Why Convert My Database to ACCDE Format

When you first create an Access database, that database is in an open ACCDB file format. The Access ACCDB file format allows users to create and modify existing database objects, such as forms, reports, Marcos, and to view and update VBA code in the project and behind form modules in the database. If you want to stop database users modifying forms and reports or having the ability to view and edit the VBA code in your Access database then you need to take steps to protect the database and prevent it happening. That is particularly true if you intend to distribute the database to third parties and/or on a commercial basis.

Fortunately, It is a relatively simple matter to protect your Database. Microsoft Access makes it quick and easy to convert an open format Access Database (ACCDB) into a compiled Access Database (ACCDE) format. In an ACCDE file format, the protected Access database continues to operate as usual, however, users are not able to change the designs of forms and reports, and nor can they view or modify VBA code modules in your database.

Benefits of the ACCDE Database File Format

In addition to protecting your Access Database design, there are quite a few other benefits to converting your database into an ACCDE format.

1. The ACCDE formatted data base is smaller in size than the original ACCDB Access database.
2. An ACCDE database remains in a compiled state, improving overall performance.
3. The VBA code in modules and behind forms/reports is protected.
4. Forms and reports designs cannot be modified by the end-user
5. End-users cannot copy or export your VBA code or form/report designs.

Prepare Database to Convert to ACCDE File Format

Once an Access database is converted to a compiled ACCDE file format you cannot revert the database back into an ACCDB format so be sure to keep a copy of the database in ACCDB format in a safe location.

To provide maximum protection for the VBA code in your ACCDE format database, we recommend that you also password protect the VBA project, and save a list of the references you have used in the database.

How to Convert an Access Database to ACCDE File Format

The method for converting your Access Database from an ACCDB to ACCDE will depend on the Version of your Microsoft Access Database program. Both options are outlined below. Open the database you want to convert in the Microsoft Access Database program and then follow the appropriate steps below.

Access Database 2007

1. With the database open in Access, select the 'Database Tools' ribbon option.
2. In Access 2007 click the 'Make MDE' or 'Make ACCDE 'ribbon tool icon (the tool name will depend on the Access 2007 build version).

3. When the Save As Dialog box appears, select a location to save the ACCDE version of the database, or just click the 'SAVE' button to save it in the same folder as the ACCDB version.
4. Once the database has been saved, close the current database and open the ACCDE version to ensure conversion was successful.

Access Database 2010, 2013 and later versions

1. With the database open in Access, select the database 'FILE" tab at the top left of the screen.
2. In Access 2010, select the 'Save & Publish' option in the File Menu, and then click to select the 'Make ACCDE' option, and then click the 'Save As' button.

3. In Access 2013 and later versions, on the File list Menu, select the 'Save As' option. In the 'Save Database As' panel click the 'Make MDE' option, and then click the 'Save As' button.

4. When the Save As Dislog box appears select a location to save the ACCDE version of the database, or just click the 'Save' button to save it in the same folder as the ACCDB version.
5. Once the database has been saved, close the current database and open the ACCDE version to ensure conversion was successful.

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