Why Split the Database? Performance is one reason for splitting a database. The Forms and Reports run locally. Hence, the only information that passes across the network is the data.   Archiving is very useful if you want to filter and backup old Records. Splitting the database is not the same as archiving, or moving old Records into another database. One method for archiving records was discussed in the previous lesson.   There are several steps required to split a database into Linked Table. We'll begin by creating a Backup Copy of the database. In the first example we'll split the database by hand and consider the options. The Tables will be Linked as External Data, so we'll use the Linked Table Manager. We'll review the Database Splitter, an automated process that's available in Access.   Finally, we'll prepare to release the database. We'll set the Security and print out the Database Documentation. So, that's about it. Microsoft Office Access: Example of a database with Linked Tables