I have a database that i have split into 3 pieces: a Front End, and two back ends that contain tables. Copying the front end to a users desktop cuts the runtime from 90 minutes to 30 minutes. However, when I move the back end to the desktop as well, the runtime is less than 8 minutes. The problem I am facing doing this is that I had to manually update the table links.
Is there a way to make it so that Access automatically updates the links based on what users computer it is on?
For example, I created a batch file to move the database files from the shared drive to a folder on the users destop using:
"%userprofile%\Desktop\Folder1\"
as the location to move the files to. "The "%userprofile%" automatically identifies the user and route the files properly. I didn't know if there was something similar to automatically update the links in Access.
Please let me know if you don't understand what I am trying to ask.
Assuming the 1st backend is on the user computer, and the 2nd backend is on the shared network, I think what you can do is create a qry upon opening the database to update the user's table, then after exiting, a 2nd qry that will export user's table back to the 2nd backend on the shared network. You'll have to add a field in the table so that your database knows which record to be added or to be exported.
Related
net project as well as a setup project. I also have it so that during installation it asks the users to enter a file location to store their database. the plan is to have an empty .mdf file, with all the tables setup, copied into that folder and I store the folder path in a config file.
this is mainly because I am planning on having multiple separate applications that all need the ability to access the same database. I have it storing the folder path in my config file the only thing I'm having trouble with is
storing the template files I don't know if i should do this in the setup project or main project
how to copy said template files into a new folder
so far I have been unable to find a solution so any help is appreciated
Well here is what I do this in a few of my projects - something that has proven reliable enough for me over the years (which you may or may want to do as well):
I have the program itself create the database files in an initialization routine. First however, it creates the sub folders in which the database files will be stored, if they don't already exist.
To do this, the program just checks if the folder exists and if the database file exists and if they do not, it creates them on the spot:
If Directory.Exists(gSQLDatabasePathName) Then
Else
Directory.CreateDirectory(gSQLDatabasePathName)
End If
If File.Exists(gSQLiteFullDatabaseName) Then
Else
...
I also have the program do some other stuff in the initialization routine, like creating an encryption key to be used when storing / retrieving the data - but that may be more than you need (also, for full disclosure, this has some rare issues that I haven't been able to pin down).
Here too are some addition considerations:
I appreciate you have said that you want to give the user the choice of where to store their database files. However, I would suggest storing them in the standard locations
Where is the correct place to store my application specific data?
and only allowing the users to move them if the really need to (for example if the database needs to be shared over the network) as it will make the support of your app harder if every user has their data stored in different places.
I have found letting the user see in their options/settings windows where their database is stored is a good idea.
Also to encourage them to back those files /directories up.
Also to create automatic backups of several generations for the user.
Hope this helps.
thanks in advance for any help.
I am building an access database with the following charactersitics:
It is expected to be used simultaneously by several users (my plan is to split it when it is finished).
When users open the database, a login form asks for username/password and the username info is stored in a tempvar using a macro in the form.
A Public function in a separate module gets the tempvar information. This public function is used to input the username to a field when users change records in tables. This is done with a data macro.
Everything works fine so far, my question is (sorry if it is silly, it is the first time I split a database for multi-user)... what will happen after I split the database and distribute the front end to my users? I assume that each user must have a separate copy of the front end so that the username tempvar does not get mixed up when more than one user logs in? Each front end will manage its tempvar locally (macros are moved to the frontend when a db is split, correct)?
Thanks!
Correct.
TempVars are stored in VBA, in memory, so aren't present in the database at all. Each user has its own set of TempVars, so these won't conflict. And they're not database-specific when working with linked/referenced databases, macros (including data macros) will have access to all of them. They are application-specific, so if you open up a second instance of Access, it comes with its own set of TempVars.
Keep in mind that if you don't compile your database, users are free to inspect and change TempVars at will, which can be a problem for security. If you want to keep well-intentioned users from accidentally doing something they shouldn't, it's fine, if you want to repel attackers I've yet to see an implementation using TempVars that I couldn't trick in an hour.
I am trying to split an Access database where I work but I have encountered a few issues that I am struggling to resolve. If I can first explain the problem.
I work for a large multi-national company that has on-site IT support but does not support Access (so no help there)
There are 12 of us working in our section, we have an old and badly designed StockMaster database on the networked F drive. The problem is that it is only set up for single users, we have to take turns using it. We aren't a computer savvy bunch, we tend to run the same named queries on a daily basis
The database is only updated once per day, every morning we get a download from our colleagues in Amsterdam. I do not want to play around with this database as first of all I'm no expert and secondly if I break it, no one will fix it.
My plan is this;
I have created a new Access database StockMaster2 that imports the required tables. Using VB coded modules, is deletes the old then imports the new. Therefore every morning it replicates what is in the original database and it works fine.
My next step is to split the database, create the front end and distribute. This is where I'm having problems.
I created the original front end StockMaster2_fe.accde and placed it in the database folder on the F:\ drive. Does every user get their own copy of the front end? I copied and saved two more front ends (copy and paste in the same folder -> rename) namely StockMaster2_alan_fe and StockMaster2_ryan_fe and tested it. I told Ryan (who sits next to me) to find the front end named after him on the F:\ drive and open it whilst I was in ...alan_fe. We both went to run macros at the same time but he was kicked out as it gave me exclusive access.
What am i doing wrong? Why is it not allowing multiple access?
My problem is that due to strict administrator privileges I cannot download any software or access the command line, so anything that I do must be done in Access itself
I apologize for not seeing this post sooner to end your agony. There are two absolute main issues that must be resolved to get you on the right track. First, and perhaps the most important, is that your file has the name of StockMaster2_fe.accde. The extension, the accde, is the executable version. Design changes cannot be made to that version. The extension should say .accdb to provide you with all the flexibility to alter the database, create one database for back-end tables, and a second database for front-end objects to include queries, forms, reports, macros and modules. If you have the accdb version, then your work will start to get much easier.
Issue number two, if your team is not able to share the database, then that is a sign that the database, when first opening, is opening in Exclusive mode. This option can be changed in the Access Options, in the Advance menu, under Advanced section. Look for Default open mode. It should say Shared to have multiple users operating all at once.
A possible hidden issue that can be happening, is that the database has VBA code which informs the database to open exclusively. With your version of the accde, you will not be able to access that code or change how the database opens.
Let's break this down (only because I finished all my work already...):
My next step is to split the database, create the front end and distribute. This is where i'm having problems. I created the original front end StockMaster2_fe.accde and placed it in the database folder on the F drive. Does every user get their own copy of the front end?
Yes
I copied and saved two more front ends (copy and paste in the same folder -> rename) namely StockMaster2_alan_fe and StockMaster2_ryan_fe and tested it. I told Ryan (who sits next to me) to find the front end named after him on the F drive and open it whilst i was in ...alan_fe. We both went to run macros at the same time but he was kicked out as it gave me exclusive access. What am i doing wrong?
Ensure your back end contains only tables. Access is a "client-centric" database, which means when a query is run it pulls all of the data over the pipe to your local computer, does what it does, and then sends it back. So, make sure the back end has only tables and all the other jazz (macros, queries, etc...) are in the front end. Also, the front end will contain links to the back-end tables. All of your queries/macros/etc.. will reference these links, and not the tables in the back-end DB directly.
Why is it not allowing multiple access?
Also, make sure your table-locking scheme is multi-user friendly. If you're doing table locking, it will cause errors. If you're doing record locking, it probably won't.
My problem is that due to strict administrator privileges i cannot download any software or access the command line, so anything that i do must be done in Access itself.
Shouldn't be a problem at all.
I have an access database that has been used for many years, converted from Access 2000 to 2007 and was fine. In the last couple weeks it has been doing strange things!
There is a form for 'editing' a record. When the user clicked on the button to open this form, a small white box appeared and said 'Record Deleted'.
After that, the database was corrupted. I support this database and I can not even get into it in design view. When I try to open it (holding the shift key down while opening it), it takes a while, then it displays the Access design page that has the 'blank database' icon and to the right it lists the frequent opened databases.
So, I can't even get the to objects. The only option I had was to restore from a previous night backup. This meant the users lost all their work for the day. Today, one week later, it has happened again. All the users work was lost because I had to restore from backup.
I don't know where to begin to trouble shoot this since I can not get into it in design view when it has become corrupted. Looking for any suggestions to debug this. I can use a copy of the database I had restored.
Thanks
As a first and most important suggestion. You should split your database.You can do this from the database tools tab on top. By doing this you will have a seperate back end independat of the front end and your client will not loose any data as if they get the error / corrupted database it would not affect the data secured in the backend
Second I havent had the exact same error but in the past I have faced instances where the forms just dont work. a recommendation i read somewhere was to create a new blank form and copy over the elements from this form onto that and delete this form. I doubt if there is any problem with the VBA but it would be worth compiling the code to check.
Apologies if this does not help much, but I hope the first suggestions helps protect your client data in the instance your database crashes.
First, check if any automated VBA code or macro is running on OnOpen, OnLoad, OnCurrent, AfterUpdate, OnDirty, etc. events of the troubleshooting forms. Simply open the VBA window and look at code on the specific form's module. Or in the case of macros, open form in design view and check the Event tab of Property Sheet (and the same for specific buttons, textboxes, etc.). There may be DoCmd.RunCommands occurring when users interact with form controls.
Also, if you find yourself unable to open forms or deal with a corrupted database, consider beginning with a blank Access .accdb file and import all objects from the previous Access 2000 .mdb file. And if specific controls don't function properly, recreate them as needed.
As mentioned above, split your database between BackEnd (only tables) and FrontEnd (forms, queries, macros, modules) which prevents corruption, efficiently runs systems as only data is sent across the network and not whole application items, and overall fosters a better multi-user environment. Each user can have copies of the FE on their local machines but all will connect to one BE on a shared network. To help, Access 2007-2013 has a button for this on the Ribbon under Database Tools.
I am developing a system in Access talking to a Sql Server backend. I can connect with two separate accounts A and B so that I can control permissions. In particular I have a view which is accessed via a pass through query which is denied to A but allowed by B.
Normally selection of A or B as the login is related to which Access Security Group the user belongs in, but I have set it up so that people in the Admins group (ie me) read the login from an internal access table. I have also created a form (and associated code) that allows an Admin to change this value.
This all works great and does its job perfectly - provided I start up Access from scratch.
It detects I am admin, reads the last value I set in the internal table, connects to the server with the correct login string (I loop deleting and re-creating all the tabledefs using this new connection string) and then displays my first form. I navigate to a button that runs the pass through query. When I click that button it recreates the pass through query, by deleting one with the same name and recreating it with the correct connection string (A or B login) before then running it to output results. If I am A, then it fails with a permission error (which I display and inform the user about), if I am B it works and I get the results.
I have added a system to attempt to change this on the fly for testing purposes. Having changed who Admin should login as (by writing to an internal table), it recalls the startup code, which loops through deleting and re-creating tabledefs and then puts me back at the intial form.
HOWEVER - If I now navigate to the button that runs my permission controlled query, it still deletes and re-creates the query def from scratch, but when I run it, it seems to run in the context of the SQL Server Login it set when I first started access, and not the new SQL Server Login I have just re-created everything with. So the query will run when it shouldn't (of visa versa).
If I exit Access and try again - it starts working properly again.
The only conclusion I can draw from this is that somewhere inside of Access it is caching the ODBC connection string - and instead of using the new one is using the old.
So my question is - is my conclusion correct, and if so how can I tell Access to clear its cache.
I am developing in Access 2010 - for a system that will ultimately be running in an Access 2000 environment - so the file format is an .mdb in the Access 2000 format.
I came to this topic because I had the same question: "How to clear the cache in Access 2010?"
In my case, the problem was that my application somehow "remembered" the entire path to my linked photos, even though I referenced only the file name. One of the links above lead me to search under "File > Current Database > Caching Web Service and SharePoint tables." The option to "Use the cache format that is compatible with MS Access 2010" was already checked, but I enabled the check box for "Clear Cache on Close" and closed the database.
Voila! All previously cached values, including the values for my linked photos, were cleared out. It doesn't appear that this setting affected my ODBC DNS-less connections, but I haven't confirmed this.
**TO CLEAR CACHING, go to File-->**OPTIONS-->Current Database, and scroll down to Caching Web Service and SharePoint tables.****
Can this page about ODBC linked access password reset be what you're looking for ?
As far as I know, there is no way to clear this cache. If you execute a query and supply a different UID/Password for that query, then the permissions you obtained from that act will remain in effect until such time you close down Access.
Thus if you execute another query and supply a "differnt" UID/password, and then later own execute another query with “lower” permissions, the other cached UID/password will be used. So you can (and will) have multiple UID/passwords cached at this point in time - you have no control over which one is used.
The only way around this would be to adopt a separate ADO query – this to my knowledge does not cache the credentials like when using DAO queries.