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I need to open a MDB file in ArcGIS Pro

WilliamVong

Hello everybody! I need to open a MDB file in ArcGIS Pro, but seems that the extension is no longer support in the Pro version, do you have any idea of how i can work with the MDB file? In some post i found that I need to use ArcCatalog and now I´m using the ArcGIS Pro trial version and there is no ArcCatalog in the Pro version.

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JavierPerez77

Here you´ll find a solution: https://mappinggis.com/2020/05/abrir-geodatabases-mdb-y-gdb-con-qgis/

Alex_at_Exprodat

I've also posted this response on Personal GDB(.mdb) import tool - Page 2 - Esri Community but I thought you might like to reference here as well. These steps are also found at Problem: Unable to Add Data from Personal Geodatabases in ArcGIS Pro.

You can access MDB files directly in ArcGIS Pro. These steps worked for me:

Create a new OLE DB connection in ArcGIS Pro: Work with OLE DB connections—ArcGIS Pro | Documentation
For the provider, I selected "Microsoft Office 12.0 Access Database Engine OLE DB Provider"
In the Connection tab, enter the full file path to the .mdb file, for example: C:\Users\arexroad\ArcGIS\PersonalGeodatabase.mdb
For the user name and password, I left both empty. This only applies if the database requires user credentials.
In the Advanced tab, I also set access permissions to "Read" only.

Test the connection to make sure it succeeds. Once added, I can view all of the database tables in the .mdb directly in the Catalog pane/view under Databases. The tables can be added to my maps and used in joins/relates/geoprocessing.

According to FAQ: Is It Possible to Connect to a Microsoft Access (.Accdb) Database in ArcGIS Pro? these steps should also work for .accdb database files.

jungao

futura?

RobertBorchert

Describe how you created the new database. Did you do it from the stand alone ArcCatalog or did you create it using Catalog in Pro?

When you say you copied it, did you copy and paste. or did you use stand alone arc catalog to Import the data.

It really should have worked the way you tried. it. can you include a snip of what the data looks like in Arc Catalog

jungao

what's personal geodatabase?

I just want to add a table from Access database. the stupid arcgis pro (perpetual beta software) won't read it. It's not even a .mdb database.

now I have to export back and forth between personal and file gdb. Kind of a pain, but at least have the work done.

This is just ESRI's way to force everyone to pro, and making a lot of "friends" in the process.

KeithAddison1

I have ArcMap, I create new gdb and copy the mdb data into the new gdb. ArcMap can read the new gdb data fine, put when I try to load it into pro I get this:

Why can ArcMap read from the new gdb but Pro can't? The part I copy form the mdb to the gdb is an entire feature dataset that contains many feature classes. The mdb data is from a utility company, so we're stuck with that format until they start using gdbs, which will likely be never.

Anonymous User

Thanks Jennifer! I was not aware of that option. Though I am a little disappointed that I need a $650 extension to open a file I used to work with on a basic license.

JenniferHarrison1

Just wanted to mention that FME can read .mdb files, and can write Geodatabase feature classes, so that might be an option.

MichaelBrandonFalk

Watched the video. Thank you!

Anonymous User

ESRI - With ArcMap no longer an option for new ESRI customers - what now? Is there a plan to support the import of old data types ESRI once championed.

Moulay_AnwarSounny-Slitine

https://youtu.be/VVYvztYVaPs

I did a screencast here to show you the basics of converting it, but yeah you will need a copy of ArcMap to do it. It is a copy and paste from one format geodatabase to the other. I wish they would convert ArcMap to a 'classic' version that would be included with ArcGIS Pro install, or at least make the ArcMap lic read off of an ArcGIS Pro lic automatically. hard to renew the lic every year on your computer when you are spending most of your time in Pro

RobertBorchert

ArcGIS Pro does not allow for the use of Personal GeoDatabases. (.mdb {Microsoft Database})

You will need to use ArcCatalog to create a File GeoDatabase and import your features to that. Then you can use them in Pro.

Personally one of my larger dislikes of Pro is the inability to use .mdb databases. At the least Pro should have a TOOL for importing from an ,mdb directly into a .gdb

RobertBorchert

You need to import everything to a filegeodatabase

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applephx

I have this same quesiton. I have ArcGIS Pro and nothing I can think of allows me to import or convert an mdb file into a gdb in ArcGIS

BugPie

Came in to say exactly this. We thought we were 100% migrated to Pro workflows and tools, about a year ago. Still finding random things that have hurdles, such as this.

Recently received a .mdb from a client, they were unable to provide in a different format. Glad I still have good old catalog to use for this... no .mdb access via pro seems like a mis- step to me even if we are leaving .mdb's in the past.

RobertGraham

ESRI really needs to develop some included tool for converting MDB Access files into something legible by ArcGIS PRO. They have just dropped support for a very popular format. If ESRI wants PRO to be the desktop then at least make a GP tool for importing MDBs.

RobertBorchert

Don't remove ArcMap until you are 100% Pro. And not even then

JoabelBarbieri

ESRI wants you to move to PRO. I did move and removed ArcMap. Now i can't open or even convert my personal geodatabases to file geodbs? How ESRI didn't think of this before? No gp tool or anything !!!??

RobertBorchert

Actually did not consider you only have Pro. I have both so for me it is a simply matter of creating a new db and dropping it in.

Check the tools with PRO and see if there is a geoprocessing to do it for you

MaciejMoszumański

Can you give more informations how to import *.mdb database into *.gdb database?

RobertBorchert

Import it into a file geodatabase

RebeccaStrauch__GISP

Instead of the trial version, you may want to look into ArcGIS for Personal Use Program | ArcGIS for Desktop Advanced for Personal Use which includes ArcCatalog among other things.

Powerful Tools
ArcGIS Desktop Advanced (ArcGIS Pro and ArcMap)
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100 service credits for data storage, premium data access, and geocoding and analysis
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A Living Atlas of the World with maps and data, including access to foundation content from Esri, on thousands of topics
Installation support
Unlimited access to self-paced e-learning on the Esri Training website.

ArcGIS For Personal Use for more detailed info.

PLEASE NOTE:

ArcGIS for Personal Use comes with everything you need to map like a pro. Get access to the full range of capabilities on the ArcGIS platform to create rich, dynamic maps and apps. ArcGIS for Personal Use is ideal for existing ArcGIS users who want the same powerful software at home for noncommercial, personal use.

jskinner

Hi William,

You will need ArcGIS Desktop to access the MDB database. I don't believe there is a free trial of ArcGIS Desktop offered any longer.

What type of data is in your MDB? If it is just tabular data you can export the tables to a CSV using Access and then use these tables in Pro. I would recommend importing the CSV files into a File Geodatabase so you can have access to more functionality.

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