To open a database when you start Access

·         From the opening dialog box, select the Open an existing file option, and then click on the OK button.

To open an Access database, once Access has already started

·         From the File menu choose Open  

Note : Recently used databases may be listed at the bottom of the File menu.  If the database you require is included in the list, click once on the list entry.

OR click on the Open icon on the Standard toolbar.  

·         Select the File name from the list on the left-hand side of the box.  You might need to change folders in order to find the required database.

·         Click on Open to complete the operation.