Why is my Database so big?

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Jim K. - SGB - 19 Jul 2007 22:16 GMT

I have just finished creating a database to hold records that exist in an
old dos database system. I created this database by exporting the records
from my old database to a DBF file then importing them into Access thereby
effectively having the same record layout.
I then created 7 custom reports, an add record form, a change record
form, and the Switchboard form function to create menus.
I then deleted all records, ran the compact database utility, created my
security settings for the users, then exited.
This database (with no records) is 331 megs in size! This seems huge
considering that there are no records yet.
Is this normal or is there some way I can reduce this size? As I
mentioned, I have already ran the compact utility and I have ran the backup
utility and there is no change in size.
Thanks so much in advance for any and all suggestions! Jim K.

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Scott McDaniel - 19 Jul 2007 22:36 GMT

> I have just finished creating a database to hold records that exist in an
>old dos database system. I created this database by exporting the records
[quoted text clipped - 10 lines]
>utility and there is no change in size.
> Thanks so much in advance for any and all suggestions! Jim K.

331 megs is pretty big, but you did say that you imported records from the old DOS database file, so I'd assume that you
DO have some data in there ... perhaps there's just more data than you realize?

Are you using images in your forms/reports? Are you storing images in a table? These can lead to bloat ...

Scott McDaniel
scott@takemeout_infotrakker.com
www.infotrakker.com

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Jim K. - SGB - 19 Jul 2007 22:54 GMT

Scott,
Although I imported the records from my old DOS database, I deleted
those records after getting the Access database done.
There are 2 graphics in all of my reports. These may be the culprits.
With 7 reports, that would be 14 graphics because I imported them (if my
deductions are correct). Would I save room if I just hyperlinked those
graphics (is this possible?)?
Jim K.

> > I have just finished creating a database to hold records that exist in an
> >old dos database system. I created this database by exporting the records
[quoted text clipped - 19 lines]
> scott@takemeout_infotrakker.com
> www.infotrakker.com

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Tony Toews [MVP] - 20 Jul 2007 01:42 GMT

> There are 2 graphics in all of my reports. These may be the culprits.
>With 7 reports, that would be 14 graphics because I imported them (if my
>deductions are correct). Would I save room if I just hyperlinked those
>graphics (is this possible?)?

You'd be best creating two subreports, one for each of the graphics.
Then insert them into the various reports as subreports.

You could also load them when required but that would require VBA
code.

Tony

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Norman Yuan - 20 Jul 2007 00:47 GMT

Do not put forms/reports, and possible codes with data in the same *.mdb
file, split it into two: data back end and all other (forms/reports...) in
front end. This way, besides other benefits (being talked almost daily
here), you also tell what causes the bloating size. If it is the back end,
you need to do the compacting, if it is the front end, you know you have
added a lot/big images.

> I have just finished creating a database to hold records that exist in
> an
[quoted text clipped - 12 lines]
> utility and there is no change in size.
> Thanks so much in advance for any and all suggestions! Jim K.

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