How do I export a Microsoft Access database table in to it's own *.accdb database?

When viewing the list of tables on the left column under the "Tables" category I can right-click and export but when I give it a name to save the export like "example.accdb" I get the following error message...

Microsoft Access can't find the database file 'C:\example.accdb'.

Right...because it doesn't exist, that's why I'm exporting in the first place! To create the table as a separate exported database. Am I attempting to split the table off in to another database containing that table incorrectly or is there another step I missed somewhere?


A somewhat indirect answer, more of a work-around.

  1. I created a new blank database.
  2. Right-click on the empty table and choose import.
  3. Find the accdb database file that contains the table.
  4. When you finish it gave me a list of tables that I could import.
  5. Select the table to be imported.
  6. Close the new/empty table to delete it.
  7. Save and link it to the front end file that you need that table linked to.
  • Linked tables have some disadvantages in terms of performance. If you are doing this because of database size limit, it is a temporary solution... but you might want to look into other long term solutions like reviewing how your data is stored and structured, whether you should upgrade to a different platform, etc. – Sun Oct 27 '14 at 18:32

A database must exist FIRST in order to accept the exported table. The export function does not create a database file (as you found out).

Create the database you want the data to go to, when you click Export then Access, choose Browse... to select the database when exporting.

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  • I've always hated this feature with Microsoft Access. Its been like that at least since Access 2003 if not earlier. If it doesn't exist, I wish Access would create a blank database, then export! – Sun Mar 2 '15 at 21:30

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