Microsoft Access MDE File Format

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What Is An Access MDE File?

The MDE file format is a special Access database file used to distribute code that is referenced throughout your main database. An MDE file can be used to compile VBA modules, and for compacting your database and to provide other optional services. An MDE file provides services for the normal operation of your database including repetitive code references, while preventing editing to the Access VBA code or the tables, queries, reports, and forms.

MS Access MDE File Relationship To Application Database

Benefits Of An MS Access MDE File

There are various benefits to be had by creating and distributing the database as an MDE file:

• Reducing the size of the database - the size of the database will be reduced due to the removal of the code, so memory usage is optimized, which will improve performance
• Allowing VBA code to run, but protection from the code being viewed or edited
• Access database security for forms, reports, tables, etc. without further user level security
• Update data and run reports when there is no full version of the database

View another Access project at the Access Database Forms page.