As files are deleted over time, the space within your access database file can become fragmented. This will result in your database growing to a much larger file size than it needs to be. Regularly compacting your MS Access Database is a great way to improve the performance of your database and reduce the file size.
**Important** Make sure no other users are currently accessing the database!
Access 2010:
You can compact the database you currently have open by clicking File > Compact & Repair Database on the info tab in Backstage view.
Access 2013:
To compact the database you currently have open, click Database Tools > Compact & Repair Database
Pro Tip
How to compact your database when you close it
You can tell MS Access to compact the database each time you close it.
Open your database > Click the FILE tab > Click OPTIONS > Select the Current Database category > Select the Compact On Close checkbox under Application Options.
Note: If multiple users are sharing the same database, Access compacts the database when the last user closes it.
