Access 2007 can't open an Access 2003 if other users log in

[db_john]

I have a db in Access 2003 format (mdb) and sits in a desktop computer (winXP). I want to access it via the network from my notebook which has Access 2007.

There is another user at the desktop computer opening this mdb. When I double clicked the mdb in its shared folder from the notebook, I couldn't open it. I check the user at the desktop opened it without exclusive. Also if I open the mdb at the notebook first (successfully) and the use at the desktop opens it later, my mdb is just disappear.

What is the cause of this problem and how can I fix it? Thanks.

Also, if I convert the mdb to accde and download the compatibility pack for 2007 in the Access 2003, will the desktop open it and edit the forms, reports and program codes? Thanks again.

 

[Galaxiom]

There is no compatibility pack for Access.
Keep the design in mdb format.

You should not be opening the same database front end so there is nothing to fix.
Make a copy so you both have separate front ends.

Conversion to accde will prevent anything from editing the design.

 

[db_john]

Thanks, Galaxiom for your advice. I would like to correct my statement for looking for the "compatibility pack"; it should be runtime module such that the Access 2003 machine can run an Access 2007. Is this kind of module available?

The reason for opening the mdb from 2 computers is the database is under development by a staff of my client and myself. She is designing the report layout and I'm writing the program codes. Since we only meet once a week, there is chance that we both need to open the mdb in the same time.

Also, when this mdb is launched for users (4 to 5 all together) to use, the mdb must be opened in multiuser environment and my client has 1 computer using Access 2007 and 4 using Access 2003.

Your furthe advice is much appreciated.

 

[boblarson]

Thanks, Galaxiom for your advice. I would like to correct my statement for looking for the "compatibility pack"; it should be runtime module such that the Access 2003 machine can run an Access 2007. Is this kind of module available?

There is an Access 2007 Runtime (search the MS site for the download).

The reason for opening the mdb from 2 computers is the database is under development by a staff of my client and myself. She is designing the report layout and I'm writing the program codes. Since we only meet once a week, there is chance that we both need to open the mdb in the same time.

Not a good option, but if you have to do it that way, make plenty of backup copies as you run a much greater risk of corruption this way.

Also, when this mdb is launched for users (4 to 5 all together) to use, the mdb must be opened in multiuser environment

A multi-user environment NEEDS to have the database split with a copy of the Frontend ON EACH USER'S MACHINE. This is imperative or else you are playing Russian Roulette with your frontend. It isn't a matter of IF it will corrupt, but WHEN. If anyone has the frontend open and the connection is dropped or lost packets occur, then you can basically kiss that goodbye and all users will not have access until you replace the frontend. In rare instances the data in the backend can be corrupted as well. If each user has a copy then it is only ONE user (probably) which will have a problem and everyone else can keep working and you just replace the corrupt copy with a new copy.

See here for more on split databases.

 

[db_john]

Thanks for all your advices. I'll split the front and rear end as suggested. I'll post back the results.