Manually recovering MDB files from an MS Access database can be done using the Compact and Repair feature built into MS Access. This tool is effective for fixing minor database corruption issues. To use it, open MS Access, navigate to the Tools menu, and select the Compact and Repair option. While this method is relatively simple, it has limitations. It may not recover data from severely corrupted files, and there is a risk of data loss if the corruption is extensive. Additionally, this approach requires access to MS Access, which may not always be readily available.
For a more robust solution, the MS Access Database Repair tool is an excellent choice. It is specifically designed to repair heavily corrupted MDB files, ensuring complete data recovery while preserving the original database structure. This tool is compatible with all versions of MS Access and offers a user-friendly interface, making it a reliable and efficient alternative to manual recovery methods.