Hiya, Ive recently taken over development responsiblities for a company loans database, but im having difficulties making changes. This may be a silly question, but when i access the database in design mode, for some reason it doesnt give me normal menus (File,Edit,View,Insert etc.), but instead its displaying the loans databases menu (as if its in run mode), and its also not displaying the control toolbar. Is it something to do with security? Can anybody help please

First thing to try: When you open the database, hold down the shift key. Unless this was action itself disabled, it will bypass the startup settings and allow you to regain control over menus, startup files, etc.
If this doesn't work, search all forums for 'lock out shift'. Other options are available, no worries.

HTH,
David R

If all else fails, create a blank database and import all the objects from the old one into it. This resets all the default startup options, menus and toolbars. Be aware, however, that you will need to recompile the code and possible add references back in if they are missing.