deployment question

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MammaJenn

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Just a quick question. I haven't used Access in a few years, and someone told me that my app can now be "compiled" into a standalone app that doesn't require each user PC to have Access installed. I can't find any mention of it anywhere, so I assume it's not true. Am I missing something, or was my friend just nuts?

Thanks for any help!
Jenn
 
Not nuts.

If you use the developer kit for Access you can bundle a run time version of Access with your application. This gives your user both the ability and the licence to run your app without buying a copy of Access.

There are a number of third party compilers that will convert an Access database into a stand alone application. Try a web search.
 
Neileg is correct with the runtime version from the developer edition but I meant it could not be compiled into an exe.

I am interested in neileg's response that there are third party compilers - do you have any links?
 
Hi Neileg - I would also be really interested in third-party compilers so if you have a sec and would be kind enough to post a link that would be great!

Thanks,
Kev
 
I'm talking tripe, aren't I!

I'm sure I've used an application that was a compiled Access database, but now I can't track it down. And as you all know, there's no-one currently offering a compiler that comes up on a web search.

Sorry, got to go, got to go and drool in my beer....
 
There are a number of third party compilers that will convert an Access database into a stand alone application. Try a web search
-THIS IS AN ABSOLUTE FALLACY! There is NO way to turn an .mdb into an .exe. This would be akin to turning a Word document into a stand-alone application. You would not expect to open a Word doc or an Excel spreadsheet or your email without the appropriate application installed would you? An Access .mdb is exactly the same thing. It is DATA to another application.

There are "readers" available for many apps such as Power Point. You can view a Power Point slide show without having a retail copy of Power Point installed. The Runtime version of MsAccess.exe is similar in concept to a viewer. Except that it does support data changes. So if you open your database with the Runtime version of Access you can make data changes but NOT object changes.

If you were to purchase the Office developer's edition (I don't think Access is separate any more), you would effectively get a copy of this stripped down version of MsAccess.exe and a license to distribute it with your own Access databases. So with this, your user does not need to purchase a full retail version of Access in order to run your database.

Be aware though that using the Runtime engine requires changes to your application. For example, you need to make your own menus. There are many little quirks. Make sure to carefully read the FAQ and also search the knowledge base and this website for problems and solutions.
 
hmm... I have been searching the web for "Access Developers Kit", with many permutations. I only seem to find lots of references such as "... and I used the Access Developers Kit ..."

Using the msAccess.exe should work just fine for my purposes. I have a very small library application for about 5 users, with absolutely nothing fancy, and not using any menus.

Thanks everyone for your help! I used to be able to program Access in my sleep, and after being away for 3 years, I'm starting as a newbie. Very, Very frustrating! Thanks again!

Jenn
 

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