Question Can you update a database on one PC from another

[Alan657]

Hi, I am fairly new to Access, but have created a Database (Access 2007) for a local group where I am Secretary. My database has 14 tables, 23 queries 20 forms and 19 reports all of which are fairly straight forward. and works very well.
I have two identical copies one on Home PC and one on Laptop
My question is this, Is it possible to transfer new data from my laptop (which I take out to meetings) to my home PC, or do I have to input all the data gathered out at a meeting on to PC manually?.
Hoping someone can advise
Alan

 

[Beetle]

Not really an elegant way to do this. If you are using the older .mdb format, then Replication is an option, however, properly setting up Replication is a daunting task. I can't even give you advice because I've never done it. You would have to research MS Access Replication.

Alternatively, if you are the only one entering data (i.e. you will always know which copy has the newest data), and your database is split (which it should be), then you can copy and paste the back end file from one machine to the other and re-link the front end. I have one application with a similar scenario where after updating data (which is only about once a week) on the laptop I just upload the back end to Drop Box. If I ever need to use the app at home (or anywhere else) I just grab the most recent back end from Drop Box and re-link. Just make sure you keep regular backup copies (which you should be doing anyway) in case something goes wrong.

 

[YNWA]

Not the most ideal way of doing things but you could always copy and overwrite the out of date DB. This would require you to remember which one is the most up to date version however.

Original on PC, copy it to Laptop.

Go to meeting, enter into Laptop, come home copy it onto PC

Work on PC, when done copy it to laptop.

And so on. Just make sure you regulary back up each DB on PC and Laptop.

Alternatively, you could store the database on your PC, and set up a remote desktop connection on your laptop to your PC and use the database that way. Never done it but I am sure its possible.

 

[Alan657]

Thanks to both of you, didn't think it would be straight forward but was worth a shot.

 

[grades]

Not being an Access jedi or anything, what I do in these cases is import external data > access > and choose the updated tables. This imports a copy with a "1" at the end so i have to delete the old one, rename the new one, and redo any relevant relationships.
This is handy if I have updated some parts of the db but other people have updated other parts and a copy + paste would not work.