I had a similar prob. VB6, ADO, Access 2000 did some database work through code (SQL) and the DB Size increased by 300% of its compacted size and slowed to a grind. I could not compact it due to other users being in the DB so after days of trying different stuffs I converted the DB to Access 97 (Through Access 2000) and this sorted the problem out. I did not have to change the connection string or anything. Hope this helps you