Can I make a runtime only database?

[chin chin]

Hi,

I'm a beginner using 2007. I'm making a split fe/be multiuser database, and all users will have Access 2007 so I don't want to make a runtime-packaged exe really, but I am concerned that data in the backend could be damaged accidently by users if I provide an accde. I know I can change the extension to accdr but that could easily be changed by a user, and I've tried out making a runtime shortcut but a user could just open the accde if they found it giving access to the tables.

Is there a way to ensure users will only be able to open in runtime, or if not will be unable to access the be tables directly?

Any advice appreciated.

Thanks,

Chin chin.

 

[DCrake]

Delete the links to the back end database in your front end. Open up your back end exclusively then enrypt with password. Ope up front end and re link your tables providing the password. Then it should be protected.

 

[chin chin]

Thanks David, but I have already done that and can still open the linked tables from the fe.

Edit - actually I deleted and remade the links after doing the be password - would that make a difference?

 

[DCrake]

What you can do next is to go into the front end and make them hidden. So if a user attempts to import from another mdb they cannot see the tables.

 

[DCrake]

You should not be letting them into the front end in such a way that they can see the tabls\queries\etc.

Have you not got a startup form?

 

[chin chin]

Ok I'll try hiding them. Yes I have a startup form which is all the user can see in runtime, but if they open the accde they can see the objects on the left. Can I hide all of them then? I'll have a play.

 

[chin chin]

Ok, thanks hiding them works great and is definitely a big improvement. However, a user can still unhide them.

 

[DCrake]

is the accde the front end or the back end. If front end then use the AllowByPassKey and set it to false.

Remember to allow your self an override that only you know.

 

[chin chin]

It's the front end. Would the AllowBypassKey prevent them from changing the extension from accdr back to accde or only prevent them holding shift?

 

[DCrake]

The allowbypass will prevent them from using the shift key but it will not stop them from renaming a file.

However what you could do is to check the db name when you open the startup form


OnLoad Event

If Right(CurrentProject.Name,1) <> "r" Then
   Msgbox "You are trying to open the wrong version of the application",VbExclamation+vbOkOnly,"Load Failed"
   DoCmd.Quit
End If

 

[chin chin]

Love it. thanks again david.

Chin chin.