What is MDB?

MDB (Microsoft Database) files are the original Access database format using the Jet Database Engine. They combine database structure (tables, relationships, indexes), application logic (queries, forms, reports), and programming code (VBA macros) in a single file. MDB was the standard format for Access 97, 2000, 2002/XP, and 2003 versions. Maximum file size is 2 GB. MDB databases can be password-protected and support user-level security.

MDB is still widely used in legacy business applications, small business databases, departmental data management, and VBA-driven automation tools. Many organizations continue running MDB databases created decades ago. While Access 2007+ uses ACCDB format, newer versions still support opening and editing MDB files. Often encountered in corporate environments with old Access applications, Excel/Access integration scenarios, and quick database prototyping.

Did you know? Millions of MDB databases are still in daily use worldwide!

History

Microsoft created Access to provide an easy-to-use desktop database system with GUI form design and report generation for Windows users.

Key Milestones

  • 1992: Access 1.0 and MDB format debut
  • 1995: Access 95 with 32-bit support
  • 2000: Access 2000 unicode support
  • 2003: Final MDB-focused version
  • 2007: ACCDB format introduced
  • Present: Legacy format still supported

Key Features

Core Capabilities

  • All-in-One: Data + UI + code
  • Jet Engine: Embedded database
  • Forms/Reports: Built-in GUI designer
  • VBA: Macro programming
  • ODBC: Connect to other databases
  • Single File: Easy deployment

Common Use Cases

Business Apps

Small business databases

Departmental

Team data management

Reporting

Data analysis tools

Legacy Systems

Old corporate applications

Advantages

  • Easy to use and develop
  • No server required
  • All-in-one file deployment
  • Rapid application development
  • Excellent Excel integration
  • Built-in forms and reports
  • VBA programming support

Disadvantages

  • 2 GB file size limit
  • Poor multi-user performance
  • Obsolete format (pre-2007)
  • Corruption prone
  • Windows-only
  • Not web-friendly

Technical Information

Format Specifications

Specification Details
File Extension .mdb
MIME Type application/x-msaccess
Max File Size 2 GB
Database Engine Microsoft Jet (JET 3.x/4.x)
Access Versions 97, 2000, 2002, 2003
Platform Windows

Common Tools

  • Microsoft Access: 2003, 2007-2021 (legacy mode)
  • Viewers: MDB Viewer Plus, DBF Viewer 2000
  • Converters: mdb-tools (Linux), Access to MySQL
  • Programming: ODBC, OleDB, ADO.NET