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

This guide will show you how to easily migrate data from MS Access to PostgreSQL through a few simple steps with ESF Database Migration Toolkit, simplifying the complex migration processes and saving you valuable time.

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:

DMToolkit_x64.zip (63.5 MiB)	64-bit Windows application for ESF Database Migration Toolkit 12.2.07 (2025-07-01). (md5: 0750355677f7108916a6c1f2bc0d4d87)
DMToolkit_win32.zip (58.9 MiB)	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:

In "Choose a Data Source" dialog, select "Microsoft Access (*.mdb;*.accdb)";
- Click on the "..." button to locate the Access database file (either .MDB or .ACCDB).
- If there is a system database (workgroup), click on the "Lock" button to set it.
In "Choose a Destination" dialog, choose "PostgreSQL";
- Input the server name (default: localhost) and port (default: 5432).
- Input the username (default is "postgres") and its password.
- Select the target database character set (default is "UTF8"), it's important if the data contains non-ASCII characters e.g. German, French, Japanese.
- Select an existing database or input a new database name (click the 'Refresh' button to list all databases). If the target database does not exist, this tool will automatically create it during the migration process.
- Input/select the target PostgreSQL schema name (default is "public"), or press "Refresh Schema" button to list all schemas.
In "Select source Tables(s) & View(s)" dialog;
- Select the tables or views you want to migrate.
- You can access the table options or adjust the table structure by clicking the "..." button.
- In the "Field Mapping" option, you can customize the destination table's fields, such as field name, data type, default value, comment, and more. You also have the option to choose the data transfer method, including Overwrite Table, Empty Data, Append Data, or Skip Table, or even filter the data before transferring it.
In "Execution" Dialog;
- You can start the migration process by clicking "Submit". The toolkit will efficiently and seamlessly migrate your data from MS Access to PostgreSQL without the need for manual intervention.
- To keep track of the migration process, you can access the full migration log by clicking "Browse Log". This will provide you with a comprehensive view of the entire migration, including any potential issues and their resolutions.
- To save time in the future, you can save the migration settings as a job file by clicking "Save as job". This allows you to quickly reload the migration job at a later time or run the migration job using the command-prompt by typing "dmtc.exe --help". The command-prompt provides you with a full list of parameters to customize the migration process to your specific needs.
Finished!

Upon completion, the toolkit will generate a comprehensive migration report, providing you with all the information you need to verify the accuracy and completeness of the migration process. So, you can sit back and relax while the program carries out the task efficiently. Should you have any inquiries or recommendations, don't hesitate to reach out to us. We're always happy to help.