Migrating data from Firebird to MS Access(.mdb; .accdb)

This guide walks you through migrating data from Firebird to MS Access in a few simple steps using ESF Database Migration Toolkit. Simplify complex migration tasks and save valuable time with our streamlined approach.

Firebird vs. MS Access:

FireBird is an open-source relational database management system (RDBMS) that offers robust features, high performance, and scalability. It provides cross-platform support, running on Windows, Linux, macOS, and various Unix platforms. With its SQL compliance, ACID transactions, and multi-generational architecture, Firebird is well-suited for both small-scale applications and enterprise-level deployments. Additionally, its lightweight footprint and minimal administration requirements make it a popular choice for embedded database solutions.
Microsoft Access is a robust database management system (DBMS) that combines the relational Microsoft Jet Database Engine with a graphical user interface and software development tools. As part of the Microsoft Office suite, MS Access provides users with an easy-to-use platform for creating and managing databases, enabling efficient data entry, query execution, and report generation. It supports various data formats, allows integration with other Microsoft applications, and is ideal for small to medium-sized databases used in business and personal applications.

Prerequisite:

Software Required:

DMToolkit_x64.zip (63.5 MiB)	64-bit Windows application for ESF Database Migration Toolkit 12.2.09 (2025-07-17). (md5: af00d640b9e71618ed20932c52f4688d)
DMToolkit_win32.zip (58.8 MiB)	32-bit Windows application for ESF Database Migration Toolkit 12.2.09 (2025-07-17). (md5: 1b7566ee53ff21b6dc8444741b9da73a)

System Supported:
- Windows 7 or higher.
- Firebird 1.5 or higher.
- MS Access 97 or higher.

Step by Step Wizard:

Configure Firebird/InterBase Connection
- In the Choose a Data Source dialog:
  - Select Firebird/InterBase from available options
- Provide authentication credentials:
  - Username: SYSDBA (default)
  - Password: masterkey (default)
- Select the database character set from dropdown
- Specify database location:
  - Click the [...] button (Browse)
  - Select your Firebird (.fdb) or InterBase (.gdb) file
- For network connections:
  - Enter server address in format: [server_name][/port][/path_to_file]
  - Examples:
    - localhost/3050:/var/db/test.fdb
    - dbserver.example.com:/data/prod.gdb
Fig. 1: Configuring Firebird/InterBase data source
Configure Microsoft Access Destination
- In the "Choose a Destination" dialog:
  - Select "Microsoft Access (*.mdb;*.accdb)"
- File selection:
  - Click the "..." button (Browse)
  - Select target .mdb or .accdb file
- Workgroup security configuration (if applicable):
  - Click the Lock button
  - Set system database in security dialog
Fig. 2: Microsoft Access destination configuration
In "Select Source Table(s) & View(s)" Dialog
- Select migration objects: Choose tables or views to include in the migration.
  
  Fig. 3: Select tables and views
- Modify table structure: Click the ellipsis (...) button to access table options and schema adjustments.
  
  Fig. 4: Do transform
- Configure field mapping: In the Field Mapping options:
  - Customize destination fields (name, data type, default value, comments)
  - Select data transfer method:
    - Overwrite Table (replace existing data)
    - Empty Data (truncate before insert)
    - Append Data (add to existing data)
    - Skip Table (exclude from transfer)
  - Apply data filters before transfer
Execution Dialog
- Start migration: Click "Submit" to initiate automated data transfer from Firebird to MS Access.
  
  Fig. 5: Execute migration
- Monitor progress: Click "Browse Log" for real-time migration tracking, including issue resolution details.
- Save configuration: Click "Save as job" to store settings for:
  - Quick reloads of migration jobs
  - Command-line execution (use: dmtc.exe --help for parameter options)
Finished!

After migration completes, the toolkit generates a comprehensive report for verifying migration accuracy. You can monitor progress as the automated process runs efficiently. For any questions or feedback, contact us – our team is ready to assist.