How To run Access database without having to install Access on user PC's (1 Viewer)

R32chaos · Jul 23, 2008

I think there is a module/utility that can be associated with an Access database so that the end users will not need Access installed on their PC's to run the database.

I have seen it done, I just dont know how...any help will be very much appreciated...

Thanks in advance...

pbaldy · Jul 23, 2008

I don't think you have seen it done. You can install the runtime version of Access, the availability of which varies between versions, but an Access application will always run under Access. Of course you could write a front end in VB or something which used Access for the data, and that wouldn't need Access installed, but I don't think that's what you meant.

odin1701 · Jul 23, 2008

You can either use the Access runtime or you can write a VB program.

R32chaos · Jul 24, 2008

Thank you for your responses...

The runtime version seems to be what I am thinking of.

Can you please shed some more light on how to obtain the runtime version of Access, and can a pre-existing database utilize runtime?

I am working with Access 2002 and may upgrade to Access 2003.

Thank you!

pbaldy · Jul 24, 2008

The 2007 version is available free from Microsoft. The 2002 version came with the Developer version of Office. That might still be available:

http://www.amazon.com/Microsoft-Office-XP-Developer-Edition/dp/B00005BL28

The runtime version is simply a limited version of Access. Any mdb/mde should be able to run on it (but not if it requires design view of a form or report).

Pat Hartman · Jul 24, 2008

You also need to be aware that when using the runtime engine, your application must use complete error trapping because any runtime errors will simply drop the user out of the app. You also need to provide custom menus and a completely form driven interface.

R32chaos · Jul 24, 2008

Thank you pbaldy & Pat Hartman!

I will look into it asap. I guess you are right, everything has to be form driven and no access will be available to any design portions. This is the intended goal.

once again, Thank You!

esb1922 · Feb 21, 2009

I have C# app which uses Access as a backend. When I make setup project as is (just letting VS2005 to create all dependencies), install it on PC with no Access installed on it, and then run the app, I get
"Application has generated an exception that could not be handled. Process ID=0x964 (2404), Thread ID=0x4e0 (1248). OK to terminate, CANCEL to debug."

Should I include Access runtime into my setup (VS2005 doesn't like when I add mdao15.dll and msjro.dll into setup project)?

esb1922 · Feb 21, 2009

I actually installed Access 2007 runtime on the PC without Access - same error

How To run Access database without having to install Access on user PC's (1 Viewer)

R32chaos

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