Using Compact and Repair

Access databases can produce very large files because of all the data they store. When you delete records, the database maintains space for the data until you compact the database by removing unnecessary file space. Use the Compact and Repair tool to maintain your database efficiently.

To use the Compact and Repair tool:

1. Click the Tools menu, point to Database Utilities, and click Compact and Repair Database.
2. If you have any unsaved changes, Access will prompt you to save your changes.
3. Access automatically returns to the database window when it has finished compacting the database.

You can set your database to automatically compact when you close it by changing the database options.

1. Select Options from the Tools menu.
2. Click the General tab.
3. Click the check box in front of Compact on Close.
4. Click OK.