Need help!!! different versions of access + runtime

At work we have both access 97 and 2k in a multiuser environment. The number of databases in the company I work for is growing significantly. Now we are running into problems with having many people using the same database at once. It's ok if the people both have 2k or in some cases both having 97, but not a mix. Also databases created in 97 get converted to 2000 and then 97 users can't open them. So I got a copy of Access Runtime 2000 from the IT dept. I installed it on a few pc's and some worked fine while many others did not. The ones that did not either opened the database but would not load the switchboard or gave goofy errors like "system could not collate...". I don't even know where the ART2k came from! Is there a better copy I can get? Is it the PC I'm installing it on? I need to get this done fast, because four or five major databases depend on multiple users accessing acces. Sorry for the long post, but our IT department doesn't have much experience with access!

Nolan

Have you considered splitting the database? This would then have the main data tables housed on your server while having a local copy of the Queries, Forms, Reports, Macros and Modules on each persons computer.

This would help with the converting problem since 2K users would be running there own version and 97 users would be running a separate local version.

For information on splitting a database see the following links:

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;304932

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;296179


HTH

Thanks for your reply. All new databases that I creat are split, but two of the older ones are not. splitting works good as far as the back end goes, but the front end is constantly being changed or updated and it would be next to impossible ensure that everyone has the most up to date front end (50 users). Also there are reports with links to forms that are sent by email and I don't think I'm good enough to program the links to open different front end forms based on the users version of access.

I did get ART2K to install though!!!!! Could I change the name of MSACCESS.exe to disable it so people don't try and open db's with ACCESS97?

ha ha ha ha , Again that is a deployment issue. Ms access is the true KING in RAD DB FE Dev't tool. But this animal is very complicated and unstable to distribute becuase of its superb riches.

Deployment Issue was already solved by converting your finish application into a single EXE and distribute it, email me and I will till you the long lost secret.

Zero Installation, No Conlicts, and you can even run your application to a lock down machine using your usb disk....

truckin said:

it would be next to impossible ensure that everyone has the most up to date front end (50 users).

Click to expand...

Just as a matter of interest why would you update the front end if you don't intend to distribute it to all users?

Some of my users have to work with both 97 an 2003 until everyone gets Office 2003 installed. For them I install Office A2003 including A2003) in Folder MSOFFICE11 and retain A97 only in folder MSOFFICE. They have program shortcuts for both and just switch as necessary. It's a workaround but it works.