There are few things as annoying as a slow database. With Access, there are several ways to ensure you don’t have to spend more time waiting than working with your data.
Technology is designed to be quick and efficient. When it goes slower than you expect (or than what you are accustomed to), you may find yourself with time to grumble. Microsoft Access is no exception to slower performance. The bigger the database, the slower the program is likely to run.
You don’t have to sit idly by and accept the slow speed though. These five tips will help you speed up your Access database.
1. Only Load the Data You Need
One of the things that slows down any software or app is loading everything. It is almost never necessary to do so. Be picky about what you load. If you only need a couple of forms, only open those forms that you plan to use. This goes for other aspects of Access as well.
This may take a while to get used to, but learn to start prioritizing now. Start making a habit of focusing on what you need. Then make sure that you only open what you need. Of course, this also means closing the programs you are not using. This will reduce the time tasks like queries take to run.
2.Secondary Indexes
One of the easiest ways to improve your database’s speed is to create secondary indexes. These should be based on fields that you repeatedly use. If you are constantly looking up last name information or state details, go ahead and create a secondary index for them.
One word of warning though, don’t create secondary indexes for everything. That will result in slower performance. Secondary indexes are efficient when they are for the data you often review.
3.The Compact and Repair Function
There is actually a function that is designed to help you keep the database clean. It’s called Compact and Repair. Set up a schedule to run it at least once a month. This simple action can noticeably speed up the performance of your database. Plus, it is an easy way of helping keep everything clean.
For substantial issues, you may need to get assistance to repair Access data losses or data corruption.
4.Add Primary Keys to All of Your Tables
It is possible to create tables without primary keys, but it will also slow down your database. Go into Design View and check through your database to ensure there are primary keys associated with all of them.
If you want to make your primary keys even more efficient, only assign one per table. If that is not practical, you can create an Autonumber field to use as your primary key.
5.Split Your Database
One of the coolest additions to Access over the last few years is the ability to split the database. If you share the database with several people and all of you must access it over the course of the day, you can split it over the network. The function is called the Access Database Splitter. This reduces how much you can open at once. It simultaneously leaves the things you don’t need available for others to use.
If you want to try something a little more advanced, this could really help your database’s performance. Copy only the frontend of the data file to your desktop.
Author Introduction:
Victor Ren is a data recovery expert in DataNumen, Inc., which is the world leader in data recovery technologies, including repair xlsx error and word recovery software products. For more information visit www.datanumen.com
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