How to sync a Microsoft Access database to PostgreSQL (near real-time) with Pontifex

8/22/20252 min read

Pontifex streams your Access data (.mdb/.accdb) into PostgreSQL in near real-time so you can use modern BI tools without rewriting your Access app.

What you’ll need (Windows)

  • Microsoft Access Database Engine (OLEDB provider)
  • .NET Framework 4.7.2 or later
  • A reachable PostgreSQL database (cloud or on-prem)
  • Path to your Access file (e.g. C:\Data\your-database.mdb)
Tip: You don’t need to modify your Access app. Pontifex is read-only.

1) Install Pontifex

Open PowerShell as Administrator and run the deployment script:

# From the Pontifex folder .\deploy-windows.ps1

This installs the Windows service, creates default folders, and places config in C:\ProgramData\Pontifex\.

(Prefer to manage binaries yourself? You can also install the service manually — but the script is simplest.)

2) Configure the sync

Edit C:\ProgramData\Pontifex\config.yaml:

# C:\ProgramData\Pontifex\config.yaml source_mdb: "C:\\Data\\your-database.mdb" # Choose ONE of the following: all_tables: false selected_tables: ["customers", "orders", "products"] # Optional: fallback poll if no file events are seen poll_interval: 30s

Set your PostgreSQL connection (and Access password if used) as environment variables:

[Environment]::SetEnvironmentVariable( "DATABASE_URL", "postgres://user:pass@server:5432/yourdb", "Machine" ) # Only if your Access file is password-protected [Environment]::SetEnvironmentVariable( "MDB_PASSWORD", "your_password", "Machine" )

Minimum config = source_mdb + DATABASE_URL. Use selected_tables if you don’t want everything.

3) Start the Windows service

Start-Service "Pontifex Sync Service" Get-Service "Pontifex Sync Service" # should show Status: Running

4) Check it’s working

  • Health: http://localhost:2112/health should return OK
  • Metrics (for Prometheus/Grafana, optional): http://localhost:2112/metrics
  • Logs: C:\Program Files\Pontifex\logs\

You should see your tables appear in PostgreSQL and begin updating within a minute or two of changes in Access.

5) Connect your BI tool

Point Power BI / Metabase / your app at PostgreSQL (host, port, database, user, password). Build dashboards against the synced tables instead of exporting CSVs.

Common quick fixes

  • Health shows error / service won’t start → Check DATABASE_URL is correct and accessible (firewall, SSL, network).
  • “Provider not found” errors → Install the Microsoft Access Database Engine (OLEDB).
  • No updates arriving → Confirm the correct source_mdb path and that the Windows service account can read the file.
  • Deletes not reflected → Ask us about delete strategies (tombstones vs full diffs) — easy to enable during setup.

What makes Pontifex safe & simple

  • Read-only: never writes to Access
  • Smart change detection to minimise unnecessary work
  • Handles file locks and schema drift with sensible defaults
  • Runs as a lightweight Windows service; install-and-forget

Need a hand?

Book a 20-minute assessment and we’ll confirm feasibility, map your tables, and set up a pilot.

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