Remove Forgotten Access Database Password

This guide shows you how to remove a forgotten password from a Microsoft Access database file (.accdb or .mdb). You’ll need a second, blank Access database and a Windows PC with Microsoft Access installed. The method works for both database passwords and user-level security passwords in older .mdb files, though the exact steps vary slightly by version.

What You’ll Need

• A Windows PC with Microsoft Access (2013, 2016, 2019, 2021, or Microsoft 365) installed.
• The password-protected Access database file you want to unlock.
• Permission to create and save new files in the folder where the database is stored.
• Optional: a backup copy of the original file, in case something goes wrong.

Step-by-Step

Method 1: Remove a Database Password (Recommended)

1. Open Access – Launch Microsoft Access from your Start menu or desktop shortcut. Do not open the protected file yet.
2. Create a blank database – On the start screen, click “Blank database.” Give it a name like “TempUnlock.accdb” and click “Create.” This opens a new, empty database window.
3. Go to External Data – In the ribbon at the top, click the “External Data” tab.
4. Start the import – In the “Import & Link” group, click “Access.” The “Get External Data” dialog appears.
5. Select the protected file – Click “Browse” and navigate to the password-protected database. Select it and click “Open.”
6. Choose import options – In the dialog, select “Import tables, queries, forms, reports, macros, and modules into the current database.” Click OK.
7. Enter the password – Access will prompt for the database password. This is the catch: you need to enter the password here. If you truly forgot it, skip to the “Troubleshooting” section below for alternatives.
8. Complete the import – After entering the password, Access imports all objects. Click “Close” when the import finishes. Your data is now in the new, unprotected database.
9. Save and use – Save the new database. It has no password, so you can open it freely. You can now delete the old protected file if you no longer need it.

Method 2: Remove a User-Level Password (.mdb files)

Older .mdb files may use user-level security with a workgroup file. This method is more complex and requires the original workgroup information file (.mdw).

1. Locate the workgroup file – Find the .mdw file associated with the database. It’s often in the same folder or in a system folder. If you don’t have it, you cannot proceed.
2. Join the workgroup – Open Access, go to the “File” tab, then “Options,” then “Client Settings.” Under “Advanced,” click “Workgroup Administrator.” Join the workgroup by selecting the .mdw file.
3. Open the database – Open the protected .mdb file. Access will prompt for a password. If you have the admin password, enter it. If not, you’re stuck unless you can reset it via another admin account.
4. Remove security – Once open, go to “Tools” > “Security” > “User and Group Permissions.” Set all permissions to allow. Then go to “User and Group Accounts” and clear the password for the admin user.
5. Save – Save the database. The password is now removed.

Common Mistakes

• Using the wrong method – Trying Method 1 on an .mdb file with user-level security won’t work. Check the file extension first.
• Forgetting the workgroup file – For .mdb files, the password is tied to the workgroup. Without the .mdw file, you can’t even open the database.
• Importing into a new database but not saving – If you don’t save the new database after import, you lose all changes.
• Overwriting the original – Always keep a backup of the protected file until you confirm the new one works.

Tips

• Use a password manager – Going forward, store database passwords in a password manager to avoid this situation.
• Export as a backup – After unlocking, export the database to a new format (e.g., .accdb) to ensure compatibility.
• Test the new file – Open the new database, check a few tables and queries, and verify all data is intact.
• Document passwords – Keep a secure note with database credentials, especially for shared files.

Troubleshooting

What if I don’t know the password at all? The import method still requires the password. If you’ve truly forgotten it, there is no official way to bypass it. However, you can try:

• Check for a backup – Windows File History or previous versions might have an unlocked copy.
• Ask the creator – If the database was shared, the original creator may have the password.
• Use a third-party recovery tool – Some commercial tools claim to recover or remove Access passwords. Use them at your own risk; they may not work for all versions and could corrupt the file.

Import fails with an error – This often happens if the database is in use or corrupted. Close all other Access windows, ensure the file isn’t read-only, and try again.

No “Access” option in External Data – In some Access versions, you may need to click “New Data Source” > “From Database” > “Access.” Look for the option in the ribbon.

Object names conflict – If the import says an object already exists, choose “Import” instead of “Link” and check “Options” to include or replace existing objects.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I remove the password without the password?

No, Microsoft Access does not provide a built-in password reset. The import method still requires the original password. Third-party tools may help, but they are not guaranteed and can be risky.

Does this work for .accdb files?

Yes, the import method works for .accdb files. It also works for .mdb files that use a simple database password.

Will I lose any data during the import?

No, importing copies all objects (tables, queries, forms, reports, macros, and modules) into the new database. Data is preserved, but you should verify everything after import.

What if the database is split into front-end and back-end?

You need to remove the password from the back-end (the file containing the tables). The front-end links to it. After unlocking the back-end, you may need to relink tables in the front-end.

Can I remove a password from an .mdb file using this method?

Yes, if it’s a simple database password. For user-level security, you need the workgroup file and admin access.

Is there a way to bypass the password with VBA code?

No, VBA code cannot bypass the password prompt because the password is checked before any code runs. You must have the correct password or use a recovery tool.

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