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I would like to create a Microsoft Access database and integrate it into my VB.net application. I am also hoping to distribute this application to others. My concern though is whether or not users who download my application will also need Microsoft Access in order for the database (and app) to work properly. Will the app still be able to create, modify and delete records if the users themselves don't have Access? Should i be looking into a different database software?

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The OP asked whether end users must have Microsoft Access installed for a VB.NET app that uses an Access file. They do not need the full Access application — the app talks to the file through database drivers (OLEDB/ODBC). Windows apps can use the Microsoft Access Database Engine (ACE) or other drivers to read/write .mdb/.accdb without Access itself. (microsoft.com)

Key platform pitfalls to know: the legacy Jet provider (Microsoft.Jet.OLEDB.4.0) is 32‑bit only; native 64‑bit processes cannot load it. ACE (Microsoft.ACE.OLEDB.*) exists in 32‑ and 64‑bit builds, but the application bitness must match the installed provider. Common pragmatic fixes are to compile the app to a fixed platform (often x86 to maximize broad compatibility) or to ship/install the matching Access Database Engine on target machines. Example VB.NET connection string for an .accdb using ACE:

Dim cs As String = "Provider=Microsoft.ACE.OLEDB.12.0;Data Source=C:\data\MyDB.accdb;"

Change the project's Platform target (Project → Properties → Compile → Advanced Compile Options → Target CPU) to match the provider. ()

If redistribution simplicity is the priority, 's SQLite suggestion is excellent: SQLite is serverless, a single-file database and can be bundled with a single DLL (no Access or ACE install). For apps that may need more concurrency or growth, SQL Server Express LocalDB is a lightweight supported option. Example SQLite connection string:

Dim cs As String = "Data Source=C:\data\MyDB.sqlite;Version=3;"

(sqlite.org)

Practical recommendation: new desktop apps — use SQLite (easy packaging). Existing Access-based apps — keep Access files but (a) pick a bitness and build to it, (b) include the Access Database Engine or Access Runtime in the installer, and (c) test installers on clean machines (bitness conflicts and Access file locking/concurrency are common gotchas).

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