sharing a database help please

[josh.clare]

Hello all,

i have recently created a database and am in the finalizing stages.
I now need to share the database on our network so as mutiple computers/users can access the database and add/edit records via the forms.
but i dont want them to be able to change the display or design of the database.

what is the best way to share the database?
will all the computers that want to use the database require access 2007?
how can i remove the buttons to prevent users from editing the appearance/data/design?

Thanks,
Josh

 

[SydneyGeek]

To share the database...
Split it (Database Tools > Move Data > Access Database). Follow the Wizard that launches, and place the back end (data) in a shared directory that the users can access. Note: they *must* have read/write access to the directory or they will be unable to open the database.

You will now have a front end database (everything except tables) linked to a back end (tables only).

The best way to stop users changing forms, reports and code, is to create a compiled .accde version of the database (Database Tools > Database Tools > Make ACCDE).
1. Give this vesion to your users; each should have their own personal copy, on their C: drive if possible.
2. Keep the original .accdb version in a safe place, so you can do further development. Once you have a new version ready to roll, do the ACCDE thing again and send the update to your users.

Does each user need Access 2007?
Ideally, yes. They will have a much better experience if they do. The alternative is the Access 2007 Runtime, a free download from Microsoft, which will need to be on each user's PC along with the ACCDE file.
Note: they will have a restricted interface, they will be unable to make any design changes, and if the database creates any errors they will be unable to do anything about it, so the database needs to be very solid before you go down this route.

Denis