Introduction to Access 2010 database encryption

Encrypt an Access database with a database password

Encryption tools in Access combine two of old tools (encoding and database passwords) and are improved. When you use a database password to encrypt a database, all other tools are unable to read the data and force the user to enter a password to use the database. The encryption applied in Access 2010 uses an algorithm that is more powerful than an earlier version of Access.

Note If you use a database password to encrypt a database in Access 2007, you may need to switch to a new encryption technology, which helps provide greater security.

Switch encrypted Access 2007 databases to new encryption technology

To switch to the new encryption technology, remove the current database password and then add it again.

Encrypting by using a database password

Open the database that you want to encrypt in exclusive mode.

Open the database in exclusive mode

On the Files tab, click Open.

In the Open dialog box, browse to the file you want to open, and then select the file.

Click the arrow next to the Open button, and then click Open Exclusive.

On the Files tab, click Info, and then click Encrypt with password.

The Set Database Password dialog box appears.

Type the password in the Password box, and then type the password again in the Verify field.

Note Use a strong password that is combined with uppercase, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. Weak passwords do not mix with these elements. For example, Y6dh!et5 is a strong password; House27 is a weak password. Password length should be greater than or equal to 8 characters. It is best to use a password that includes 14 or more characters. For more information, see Using strong passwords to help protect personal information. Remembering passwords is important. If you forget your password, Microsoft will not be able to retrieve it. It's a good idea to record passwords and keep them in a safe place, where you should try to stay away from the information the password protects.

Click OK.

Decrypt and open the database

Open the encrypted database in a way that normally opens any other database.

The Require Password Entry dialog box appears.

Type the password in the Enter Database Password box, and then click OK.

Remove password

On the Files tab, click Info, and then click Decrypt Database.

The Undo Database Password dialog box appears.

Type the password in the Password box, and then click OK.