Back end databases?

[paulreed]

I have a database held on a intranet which details staff training sessions.
Is there a way in which other departments can access the *.mdb file as read-only, and cannot amend any of the data, just manipulate and statistically calculate its data.

 

[Pat Hartman]

You would have to secure the be database using the Access user/group security. Before you do anything, backup the database at least twice. Then read CAREFULLY the security FAQ and follow it EXACTLY. There are many posts here from people who deviated even slightly from the straight and narrow. That's why you back up your db first. If you really mess it up, you can always go back to the backup and start again.

NEVER use system.mdw as your secure workgroup. Always create your own.

 

[paulreed]

Thanks Pat, I didn't realise the solution would be this complicated!

 

[Crilen007]

Uhm... couldnt you just set their permissions to the folder to read only?

 

[Pat Hartman]

No, that would affect every user of the db. If a user does not have update/write access to the directory, Jet won't be able to create the .ldb file. That will force Jet to open the .mdb read only by disallowing file sharing at the operating system level.

 

[paulreed]

I have checked with our corporate IT manager (who knows nothing about Access!), and am able to set different permissions to individual users, for example; all my department has full read/write access. but they could set read-only access for the 'stats' dept, and no access to everyone else.
Would the 'stats' dept be able to open the data read-only, without corrupting the data source?