How to Find the Performance Bottleneck when Accessing a MS Access Database over Network

In this article we will look at several possible causes behind a slow performing MS Access database when it is accessed over a network.

There are various reasons for a database to be running slowly or performing badly. These databases are not built to function sub-optimally, but somehow, in the long run, they end up giving a poor performance. Some probably reasons for MS Access database to be performing slowly can be one of the following:

• By default, MS Access has the ability to show data-sheets between tables that are related. If you work often in Data-sheet View, it is more often than not, not required. This adversely affects the speed. Hence, it is recommended to disable this feature.
• If you are using a linked table, and you are moving data from one record to another, it can reduce the speed. Don’t navigate too much.
• If a browsing form is recovering across the connection, it can also reduce the speed.
• At times, splitting a database also renders the performance capacity slow. You can easily split the database if it has only one user, however, to avoid constrictions, you must store both the front and the back ends on a local system.
• While using static data like zip codes, etc., create local tables, otherwise it will again reduce the speed of things.
• Implanting graphics is also one reason why performance gets badly affected, as it consumes more resources. So it is advisable to use link graphics instead of implanting them.
• Compacting is necessary as it deletes records and frees resources. It further updates stats and rearranges the records. If you don’t compact frequently, it will affect the performance. However, do keep in mind that you make a backup of these data before compacting. For abundant caution invest in a powerful Access fix tool.
• A simple form with lesser number of controls is better than a complex one which has lot of controls. Complex form will be slower as it will take a longer time to upload and respond. Instead, you can create forms that are task-specific rather than having a single, complex form.
• Indexing is not always easy and can be quite confusing at times. Also, over indexing will prove to be bad for the performance. Thus, you should be extra careful while indexing and should only apply indices to fields that you search for regularly.
• It is a fact that more the data, slower will be the performance. So when you have queries for reports based on multiple tables, you should base them on one query instead. Use this query to limit the records which is crowding the report or form.
• It is advisable to keep the tables narrow and the fields to the smallest possible quantity. More number of fields can slow the performance. You can also get rid of the fields which are rarely used to a new table. Then establish a one-on-one relationship with these tables.

So these are some of the possible reasons for the slow performance. Getting rid of these might improve performance considerably.

Author Introduction:

Vivian Stevens is a data recovery expert in DataNumen, Inc., which is the world leader in data recovery technologies, including recover mdf and excel recovery software products. For more information visit www.datanumen.com