We currently use an Access 97 database which is split with both the front end and back end on a NT4.0 server. The database has been VERY unstable. At present both the back end and front end can be repaired but not compacted. We also cannot make an MDE file. When we try to compact the db it looks as though its compacting but ultimately fails with the error msg cannot read files; no read permissions on "my db". Often when the db is unstable we are getting the error "the microsoft jet engine cannot open the file ---IMDBS_be.mdb. It is already opened exclusively by another user, or you need permission to view its data." Twice recently the back end would not run nor could we repair it. We are in desperate need of help as a significant portion of the data is crucial to our daily operations.