Migrate Your MS Access(.mdb; .accdb) Data to PostgreSQL – Effortlessly!

By Martin Williams | Published: April 26, 2026 | Updated: May 20, 2026

This clear guide demonstrates how to transfer your data from MS Access to PostgreSQL efficiently using ESF Database Migration Toolkit.

Execute a step-by-step, reliable migration process.
Simplify complex data transfers with an intuitive tool.
Save significant time and effort with automation.
Modernize your data infrastructure with ease.

Prerequisite:

Software Required:
ESF Database Migration Toolkit »
System Supported:
- Windows 7 or higher.
- MS Access 97 or higher.
- PostgreSQL 7.x or higher.

Step by Step Wizard:

Configure Microsoft Access Data Source

Fig. 1: Microsoft Access data source configuration
- 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
Configure PostgreSQL Destination

Fig. 2: PostgreSQL destination configuration
- 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
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

Fig. 5: Execute migration
- Start migration: Click "Submit" to initiate automated data transfer from MS Access to PostgreSQL.
- 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)
Migration Completed

Congratulations! Your data migration from MS Access to PostgreSQL has finished successfully. This 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.