Creating a New Blank Database

To start a new database from scratch, click the Blank Database option in the New File task pane. The first thing you'll need to do is name your database. In Access, the database file cannot be moved to another disk or folder using the Save As command—so be sure to save the database to the preferred location when you start. (You can always move the database later using the Windows Explorer.)

To start a new blank database:

1. Display the New File task pane by clicking the New toolbar button.
2. Click the Blank database... option.
3. Access suggests a name for your database. Overtype the default filename with something that is meaningful to you.
4. Navigate to the folder where you want to save your database if necessary.
5. Click the Create button to finish.

To display the New File task pane, you can also:

1. Press + on your keyboard.
2. Select New from the File menu.
3. Click the Other Task Panes button at the top of the task pane and select New File.