Convert the database file format to a newer version of Microsoft Office
If an application needs to run on a newer version of Microsoft Office, all that may be required is for the database file formats to be updated.
Figure 1.0 Updating the database to a higher version of Microsoft Office.
Leap Frogging over a version of Microsoft Office
When converting you can skip versions. For example, go straight from Access 2003 to Access 2010 or Access 2013. However, the more versions you leap frog the more difficult it may be to do so. How hard depends on the database's MAD Index .
What about converting split systems?
If you have a split system (Front End database file connecting to a Back End database file) you just need to convert each component file. Normally, this is not more complex than converting a single database application as the back end data file usually converts without any issues.