Microsoft Access

Category: Database Connectors

Introduction

This document is created to help setup a mindzieDataDesigner connector to Microsoft Access database. The mindzieDataDesigner is the ETL tool used by mindzieStudio to convert database tables to process mining event logs. The purpose of this document is to help creating the connection string and opening ports on the firewall if required.

Overview

The Microsoft Access connector enables connectivity to Access database files (.mdb and .accdb formats). This connector is ideal for small-scale process mining projects and legacy system integration where data is stored in Access databases.

System Requirements

Database System: Microsoft Access 2007 or later (.accdb), Access 2003 (.mdb)
Platform Support: Windows (Access database engine required)
Dependencies: Microsoft Access Database Engine (ACE) or Jet Database Engine
File Access: Read/write permissions to Access database files

Connection String Format

Access 2007+ (.accdb)

Provider=Microsoft.ACE.OLEDB.12.0;Data Source=C:\path\to\database.accdb;

Access 2003 (.mdb)

Provider=Microsoft.Jet.OLEDB.4.0;Data Source=C:\path\to\database.mdb;

Connection Examples

Standard .accdb Connection

Provider=Microsoft.ACE.OLEDB.12.0;Data Source=C:\ProcessData\ProcessMining.accdb;

Password-Protected Database

Provider=Microsoft.ACE.OLEDB.12.0;Data Source=C:\ProcessData\SecureDB.accdb;Jet OLEDB:Database Password=mypassword;

Read-Only Connection

Provider=Microsoft.ACE.OLEDB.12.0;Data Source=C:\ProcessData\ReadOnlyDB.accdb;Mode=Read;

Legacy .mdb Connection

Provider=Microsoft.Jet.OLEDB.4.0;Data Source=C:\LegacyData\OldProcess.mdb;

Troubleshooting

Common Issues

"Provider not found" Error

Install Microsoft Access Database Engine redistributable
Verify 32-bit vs 64-bit compatibility
Check provider name spelling and case

"File not found" Error

Verify file path is correct and accessible
Check file permissions for read/write access
Ensure file is not locked by another application

"Database password required" Error

Include password in connection string
Verify password is correct
Check for special characters in password

Microsoft Access: Access Database Engine Documentation
OLE DB Providers: Microsoft OLE DB Documentation

💡 Tip: Consider migrating larger Access databases to SQL Server or other server-based systems for better performance and scalability in enterprise process mining scenarios.