Creation of test environment locked

[ladyfrankie]

Hello There,

I have attempted to create a test environment, by creating a blank database in SQL and restoring a backup of the live environment over the blank database (now called test db). I then took a copy of the Access MDB file,and renamed this to testMDB. I then created a new ODBC link to the test db and refreshed the links to the tables by the importing the tables.

Majority of the system works, but I have noticed that after doing this, the forms that access some tables appear to be 'locked', in that no additional data can be added. The page effectively looks greyed out. If data already exists on this tab, then it can be viewed, but cannot be edited. In the live environment, the form shows an additional line is so that more data can be entered if required and any existing data can be amended.

I have attached two screen shots showing the difference.

Is anyone able to suggest what i might have missed out?


Regards

 

[Pat Hartman]

It looks like that table might not have a primary key. Access can only update ODBC linked tables that have a primary key or unique index defined. When you link a table that has no unique identifier, Access gives you the option of picking one from the field list in the table. Access then creates a psuedo index based on your selection and ASSUMES that you have chosen correctly.

Although the psuedo index will get you past the non-unique identifier problem, it is extremely dangerous since if you chose the wrong field(s), you could corrupt the server-side table if you attempt to update it.

So check the table to see if it has a unique index or pk defined.