How to Break MS Access Database Password? Complete Guide

Published By Mohit Jha

Approved By Tej Pratap Shukla

Published On October 9th, 2026

Reading Time 6 Minutes Reading

Quick Answer: If you remember the credentials, you can remove it in MS Access by opening the file in Exclusive mode. However, if you have lost or forgotten it, Access does not have a built-in option to reset the password. So, in this situation, a dedicated tool becomes a practical choice that helps to recover the password of both MDB & ACCDB database files quickly.

Microsoft Access lets you protect sensitive data by applying security measures and preventing unauthorized users from accessing the database file. In this case, users start looking for an effective solution to understand how to break MS Access database password securely

In the following guide, we will explain all the possible techniques to crack MDB & ACCDB file passwords using manual and automated solutions. Choose the right method based on your requirements. Now, let’s get started.

User Query: I am trying to open my MDB database file created in Access 2007, but the file is locked, and I am not able to remember the credentials. Moreover, I cannot access the tables, modify, or view the data stored inside the database. So, is there any reliable method to restore my password without losing the existing data?

MDB vs ACCDB: What is the Difference?

Before choosing any method, it is important to identify your file extension. MS Access mainly uses two file formats, including MDB & ACCDB. These formats are different from each other in their compatibility, security features, and support for database functionality. Understanding these differences helps both professionals and beginners to choose an appropriate solution to break MS Access database password securely.

MDB (.mdb): This is an older Access database file format and primarily worked with Access 97 through Access 2003. It uses database passwords, and the characteristics of security depend on the type of protection applied. Older database security mechanisms are weaker, which helps to recover passwords easily.
ACCDB (.accdb): This file type was introduced in 2007 and is used in later editions. It has advanced features such as stronger encryption, multivalued fields, etc. Unlike the older .mdb format, ACCDB does not support the same-level security model. In this format, retrieving a forgotten password is challenging.

Overall, identifying whether your Access database uses MDB or ACCDB file format helps you choose the best approach. Always remember to keep a backup of original database file. Now, let’s move on to understanding each method to unprotect Access database file in detail.

Method 1: Break MS Access Database Password Using Exclusive Mode

This is a free, manual approach that is helpful for users who remember the existing credentials of MDB or ACCDB database file. In this method, Access provides a built-in option to remove the password permanently without depending on third-party solutions. Now, follow the quick steps given below:

Open Microsoft Access on your machine.
Navigate to File > Open > Browse options.
Now, locate the protected file & click the arrow next to Open icon.
Select Open Exclusive feature from dropdown menu.
Enter the current password, and once the file opens, go to File > Info section.
Choose Decrypt Database and enter the existing passcode again.
Finally, save the changes and reopen the database file.

Note: Menu names and available features may differ depending on the MS Access version and database file format. Lost or forgotten passwords cannot be recovered using the above manual technique.

Advantages:

Offers a built-in option to remove password.
No additional software required for the process.
Maintains the database content when task is completed

Disadvantages:

Requires an existing credential to crack database password.
Cannot restore a forgotten password by itself.
Available password removal options depend on file format.
Limited support for ACCDB database file.

Method 2: Crack Access Database File Password Using Professional Tool

If you have lost, forgotten, or are unable to recall the password of MDB & ACCDB database file, using a professional solution is an ideal choice. A software named PCVITA Access Database Password Recovery Tool is designed to restore access to password-protected files in just a few clicks. This approach is suitable for both technical and novice users. Here are some key features of this pro utility that help you break MS Access database password securely:

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Supports recovery of both MDB & ACCDB database files.
Helps to reset the password of MDB file format in seconds.
An easy-to-use interface for users with limited technical expertise.
Helps to restore passwords containing alphabetic, numeric, or special characters.
It is Windows-based software and compatible with all versions.
It recovers lost passwords with a brute-force attack mechanism.
Download a free demo version to explore all its features.

Stepwise Guide to Break Access Database Password Instantly

Below, we are going to mention some simple steps to execute the procedure for how to crack MS Access MDB & ACCDB file password. All the steps are listed appropriately; you just have to follow all of them adequately. Let’s start:

Download and run the tool on your machine.
Add Files or Folder option to add MS Access database locked files.
Now, choose the Recover or Reset password option.
Now, a pop-up will appear; click the OK button.
Lastly, copy the new password and open the protected files.

Important Note: Recovery time always depends on password length and complexity. Short or weak credentials can be restored quickly. Long & complex passwords can take longer time to break MS Access database password.

Concluding Words!

In this guide, we have shared manual and automated solutions to break MS Access database password effortlessly. Basically, manual methods are useful when you know the current password, but they also come with some major drawbacks that can be risky. On the other hand, a trusted offline utility is more efficient for cracking MDB & ACCDB database file passwords. So, choose a technique that best fits your needs and preferences.

By Mohit Jha

Mohit is a Microsoft-certified expert who has assisted thousands of clients with Outlook & Microsoft Office 365 issues. He enjoys writing on email clients as well as data migration. He is always excited about giving troubled readers the most up-to-date knowledge, explanation, and refinements.

View all of Mohit Jha's posts.