Databases tend to grow with use and can become corrupted. Using the Compact and Repair Database command assists in preventing and correcting problems that can affect a database.

1. Make sure that you are the only one in the database. Only one user can be in the database for this tool to run.
2. Select the Microsoft Office button.
3. From the Office menu, select 'Manage'.
4. Select 'Compact and Repair'.
5. The 'Database to Compact From' dialog box appears. Select the database that you wish to compact and repair.
6. Select the Compact button.
7. Rename the compacted database in the 'Compact Database Into' dialog box.
8. Select the Save button.
9. Optional: After checking that the compacted database is running properly, you can delete the older version and rename the newer version the same as the old database.