32/64 bit Database Problems (Access or SQL)

[edwa8511]

I have just updated my system to Windows 7 and Map 3D 2011 (64 bit).  I did have all of my databases in Access, but it seems that none of them are connecting on my new system.  I have been told that the best solution is to move everything to SQL, which we have, but I am ignorant about using. 

Should I keep trying to solve the problem with the Access files that I know, or should I spend the time to learn SQL?

Any Suggestions?

[norman.yuan]

The connection to Access database only works if you have MS Access 64bit version installed, or you can downloaded MS Access engine 64-bit and install it to the computer.

The catch is if your computer (64-bit Windows) has 32bit MS Office (very likely, because MS recommend to use Office 32bit, rather than 64-bit in 64-bit machine) installed, you cannot install 64-bit Access engine. So, if you want to keep your data in Access DB, then you need to install 64bit Access Engine, and install 64-bit Office (if the user need to use Office).

If you are very interested in programming, going beyond Access DB and start learning a server type database system, such as SQL Server, is always a good investment., considering the powerful DB system SQL Server Express and its express version of Management Studio is free and often more than enough to serve a small/midium-sized office.

[edwa8511]

Thanks for the info.

So I should ask our IT to reinstall my Office and us the 64 bit version?

Would I still need to install additional drivers for the Access data connection or would everything be included with the 64 bit Office?

[norman.yuan · Accepted solution]

Even you installed 64-bit MS Office (Office2010), if it is standard version (e.g. not incudling MS Access), you stll have to download MS Access Database Engine 64-bit from MS site and install it. If other CAD users need to use the drawing (with DB links to the *.mdb/*accdb file set up) with 64-bit Acad, they also need MS Access Database Engine 64-bit installed.