In Excel (XP or 2003, we use both), is there a relatively easy and dependable way to compact an Access database file? I didn't find the Excel VBA help file useful because it required creating a second, compacted file. (Is the only way to compact the existing file and keep it's name to do so from within Access??) A search here didn't turn up any results, either. (I tried searching only the Excel forum but kept getting results from the Access forum, etc.!)

I simply want to save the user from having to open Access to compact a db file periodically used (data loaded into Array in Excel at startup then only sproratic db data updates) by the Excel file.

Any ideas? Much appreciated.

I use the Compact on Close option to keep a data base healthy? You can set this up in the data base by clicking Tools/Options, and in the General tab, check the Compact on Close box. Then whenever the Access data base is used, it will be compacted when closed.
For a single-user data base, this may be the simplest solution there is.

Jerry

You can create a shortcut file or batch file with the command line switch to compact the DB. Then activate teh command from Excel or click the compact shortcut to compact. Use this format.

Place this path in a shortcut file.

"<path to msaccess.exe>" "<path to your mdb>" /compact

Example:

"C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\Office\MSACCESS.EXE" "C:\Projects\Analytic\Anal2000.mdb" /compact

A belated thanks to you both for excellent ideas!