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

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

MS Access vs. PostgreSQL:

  • 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.
  • PostgreSQL is a powerful, open-source relational database management system known for its reliability, robust feature set, and extensibility. It offers support for a wide range of data types, indexing techniques, and advanced features such as full-text search, JSON support, and geospatial data processing. With a strong emphasis on standards compliance and ACID compliance, PostgreSQL is widely used across various industries for handling complex data management tasks, from small-scale projects to large-scale enterprise applications. Its active community, frequent updates, and ecosystem of extensions contribute to its popularity and ongoing development.

Prerequisite:

  • Software Required:

    64-bit Windows application for ESF Database Migration Toolkit 12.2.07 (2025-07-01).
    (md5: 0750355677f7108916a6c1f2bc0d4d87)
    32-bit Windows application for ESF Database Migration Toolkit 12.2.07 (2025-07-01).
    (md5: a9ba6351d787ff958b4ff2d9ca888576)
  • System Supported:

    • Windows 7 or higher.
    • MS Access 97 or higher.
    • PostgreSQL 7.x or higher.

Step by Step Wizard:

  1. Configure Microsoft Access Data Source

    • In the "Choose a Data Source" dialog:
      • Select "Microsoft Access (*.mdb;*.accdb)"
    • Browse for database file:
      • Click the "..." button
      • Select your .mdb or .accdb file
    • Configure workgroup security (for system databases):
      • Click the lock icon
      • Set workgroup settings in the security dialog
    "Choose a Data Source" dialog showing Microsoft Access options and security configuration
    Fig. 1: Microsoft Access data source configuration
  2. Configure PostgreSQL Destination

    • In the "Choose a Destination" dialog:
      • Select "PostgreSQL"
    • Enter server connection details:
      • Server name: localhost (default)
      • Port: 5432 (default)
    • Provide authentication credentials:
      • Username: postgres (default)
      • Associated password
    • Configure character encoding:
      • Select database character set (default: UTF8)
      • Required for non-ASCII characters (e.g., German, French, Japanese)
    • Database selection/creation:
      • Select existing database or enter new database name
      • Click the Refresh button to list available databases
      • New databases are automatically created during migration
    • Schema configuration:
      • Enter or select target schema name (default: public)
      • Click the Refresh Schema button to list available schemas
    "Choose a Destination" dialog showing PostgreSQL configuration options including server settings, character set selection, and schema controls
    Fig. 2: PostgreSQL destination configuration
  3. In "Select Source Table(s) & View(s)" Dialog

    • Select migration objects: Choose tables or views to include in the migration.
      Select Tables & Views
      Fig. 3: Select tables and views
    • Modify table structure: Click the ellipsis (...) button to access table options and schema adjustments.
      Transform
      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
  4. Execution Dialog

    • Start migration: Click "Submit" to initiate automated data transfer from MS Access to PostgreSQL.
      Execute
      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)
  5. 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.

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Related Links:

1. PostgreSQL to MS Access Migration
1. MS Access to DB2 Migration
2. MS Access to FireBird Migration
3. MS Access to MariaDB Migration
4. MS Access to MySQL Migration
5. MS Access to Oracle Migration
6. MS Access to SQL Azure Migration
7. MS Access to SQL Server Migration
8. MS Access to SQLite Migration
 
1. DB2 to PostgreSQL Migration
2. FireBird to PostgreSQL Migration
3. Foxpro to PostgreSQL Migration
4. Informix to PostgreSQL Migration
5. InterSystems Cache to PostgreSQL Migration
6. MS Excel to PostgreSQL Migration
7. MariaDB to PostgreSQL Migration
8. MySQL to PostgreSQL Migration
9. Oracle to PostgreSQL Migration
10. SQL Azure to PostgreSQL Migration
11. SQL Server to PostgreSQL Migration
12. SQLite to PostgreSQL Migration