Database not working for some users

[vad60]

I am having a problem that I have never encountered before and thought I start here. Using Access 2003
I have a database that resides on a main computer and my users connect via the network to this database. On my forms I have command buttons that run simple macros to copy and paste data from one field into another. The macro contains a GOTOCONTROL, to copy the contents and then moves to the next field. Then I have SEND KEYS command and wait is set to yes, then PASTE. When they press the command button it seems like the SENDKEYS is not waiting then the macro halts becuse it is saying the COPY command is not available. This happens to all users except for one. That other user is also connected to the database via the network. I checked the OPTION for all the computers that are connected and they all match to the one computer that works. The one computer that does work is the one that was used to write the database but the databse is now on another computer that is always on. The funny thing is that if I were to change any option under Forms/Reports, the macro's will work for a while then stop. I did do a compact and repair several times but this has no effect. Sorry for rambling but I am just frustrated because this databse worked fine at another account of mine and I just can't figure out why this is happening.
Thanks in advance for your reply.

I now haw 2 laptops that work and 2 desktops and 1 laptop that don't.

VAD

 

[Joe8915]

This is a shot in the dark. I know its going to sound stupid, but I had a problem like this happen to me.

Go to start Menu, select printers and faxes. Right Click on the default printer and then select properties. Then go to printer preference and select 1 sided to 2 sided, click apply. Then just reverse what you have done and select ok.


I have some users can run macros and some can't. Same network and server. But ever time I did this printer thing it work.

Good luck.

 

[DannySeager]

Do you have multiple users accessing the database through the same MDB file?

 

[vad60]

Thanks, I will give it a shot.

 

[vad60]

Yes, There is one mdb file on a shared drive on one computer. The other users map to that drive and then open the db from there. It works from my laptop and another laptop and the desktop that the database is stored. Two other desktops and one other laptop have the problem. The laptops all have the same version except for the last 4 digits. But two of the laptops are exactly alike and one works the other doesn't.
In creating my database I use a lot of macro's. I don't know vba that good an am only able to write the simplest of code. So when I need to populate fields with test I use the SENDKEYS in my macro and WAIT is always set to yes. These macro's seem to be having a problem do the SENDKEYS command. Then I reselect the field and do a copy, move to the next field and do a paste. When the maco halts and I cancel the error is Copy command not available. Here's a another wierd thing if the macro doesn't halt for whatever reason, I can see the cursor going from field to field, if I keep hitting the command button, at one point but not always, it will work.
I am just at a loss. Never had this happen before.

 

[David Eagar]

Another shot in the dark - do all your machines have the same virus protection software? - Our network protection (same for all users) does sometime block documents & excel files that contain a lot of macros

 

[Rabbie]

Yes, There is one mdb file on a shared drive on one computer. The other users map to that drive and then open the db from there. It works from my laptop and another laptop and the desktop that the database is stored. Two other desktops and one other laptop have the problem. The laptops all have the same version except for the last 4 digits. But two of the laptops are exactly alike and one works the other doesn't.
In creating my database I use a lot of macro's. I don't know vba that good an am only able to write the simplest of code. So when I need to populate fields with test I use the SENDKEYS in my macro and WAIT is always set to yes. These macro's seem to be having a problem do the SENDKEYS command. Then I reselect the field and do a copy, move to the next field and do a paste. When the maco halts and I cancel the error is Copy command not available. Here's a another wierd thing if the macro doesn't halt for whatever reason, I can see the cursor going from field to field, if I keep hitting the command button, at one point but not always, it will work.
I am just at a loss. Never had this happen before.

It is always better practice to split the DB into FE/BE if you have several users. This reduces the chances of corrupting your data. Each user can have a copy of the FE on their own computer and link to the BE.

 

[vad60]

David, the desktops have Norton and the laptops have Trend data.

Rabbie, I sorry but I am not familiar with FE/BE. What exactly do these terms mean and how do I use them. If it is the better way to work then I will put it in place. Can you provide a link to documentation on how to set up this FE/BE.

Thanks

 

[Rabbie]

I meant split the database into Front End and Back End.

Basically the tables are in the back end and the Queries,reports,forms are in the front end. Its easily done using the Wizard in the tools menu. Its Tools --> Database utilities --> Database Splitter. .

 

[David Eagar]

Not sure how Norton ot Trend Data handle this - if the more conventional suggestions don't resolve the issue, this MAY possibly be worth following up on

 

[vad60]

OK, split the database and put the be on the shared drive and put a copy of the fe on each machine. I see the purpose behind this method. But, I still have the problem. I could fix it on a temporary basis by changing the default printer, why I don't know but it works after one failure. I have to repeat the process if I exit the front end, why I still don't know. The only thing I can come up with is that the printers we are using are network printers on the same network. One hooked up to a print server the other directly into the router. Do any of you know why a network printer would affect a database, it is not like they are printing at the time they are idle. Any ideas?

 

[Rabbie]

I have never had any problems with network printers called from a database. No reason why they should cause a problem. Can the users use the printers OK for other files.

Splitting the DB is essential if you don't want it to be corrupted.

 

[vad60]

I never had this problem before with the db or the network printers. All users can print with no problem. I changed the default printers on the users to a local printer and told them to select the printer if they need to print. They print items right now that are not from the db. I have another database that is for another application that we will at a later date, that needs to be able to print to the network printers. I am going to split that database when the times comes and I am hoping that I don't have the same problem.

 

[DannySeager]

I am going to split that database when the times comes

This is the first thing I would do when designing ANY access database and I believe it will enable you to troubleshoot your current issues if it doesn't fix them