Access Database Template

[Teun Ham]

How can I create a new Acces Database, based upon an existing Access Database? (WITHOUT any data)

I have created an Access 2003 Database. To test the database, I entered a lot of (bogus) information, creating new records, etc.

The test database is almost done, and I want to use the design of this database as a starting point for the real database. I want all the tables, queries, forms, etc. but NOT the data from the test database.

I have searched but I have not found a solution...

 

[alansidman]

A quick way to do this:

Create a new db with nothing in it.

Click on File|Get External Data|Import
Select your existing database
Import all your objects but be sure to only import the file structures and not the data (look at the check boxes)

Alan

 

[Teun Ham]

Thanks Alan,

That's what I have been looking for.

There's only one minor issue, you can only choose between "Definition and data" or "Only definition" for ALL the tables.
I was hoping that I could select some tables as "Only Definition" and the other tables as "Definition and data".

I guess that I will have to use the "Only definition" option, and repopulate some tables with data from the test database.
I could than split the Access Database in a BE and a FE.
Next step is to create a backup of the BE. Retest the database with bogus data.
If everything works, I can just restore the backup of the BE and release the database.
If it does not work, I can just restore the backup of the BE and make adjustments.

 

[alansidman]

You can get what you want by doing two imports. One of the objects that you want for definitions and a second to get data and definitions. Give it a try.

Alan

 

[HiTechCoach]

Even better was is Splitting your Access database into application and data

This will also allow you to keep your test data fo future development and testing.

FWIW: I do every days split. Even if it will always be single user on a standalone PC. I have never found a good reason not to split a database from the start..

 

[HiTechCoach]

The simplest way is to use teh database splitter.

make a copy of the back end and use this:

DATABASE RESET TOOL
This tool will allow you to delete all of the data in your non-linked tables and then compact which will remove the extra space leftover from the deleted data. The compact will also restore the autonumber sequence, even though we shouldn't care what the autonumbers are if they are used properly.
You can choose to remove tables from the list (such as lookups) that you don't want data deleted from and you can choose the order in which the delete happens, if that is important to you due to parent/child relationships being set.
Database Reset Tool (Access 2002-2003 Format) Database Reset Tool (Access 2000 Format)
(7/14/2009 - Fixed a bug which kept the last file selected from being removed from the list. Also added a "Select All" checkbox to the form where you can remove tables from your list.)
(5/1/2009 - Fixed file has been uploaded which allows selection of ACCDB files as well.)
(5/13/2009 - Added the ability to save definitions, select multiple tables to remove from the list at one time, and works with MDE and ACCDE files now too.)

from: http://www.btabdevelopment.com/ts/freetools

 

[HiTechCoach]

And this will be helpful:

How to Manage Your Linked Tables