Dropbox

[Jonochristie]

While I can make some sense of the suggested solutions I don't have the expertise or resources to put it into practice.

I have a database which is mainly used by one individual and occasionally need someone else to access it remotely. The is never more than one person using it at any time so the .mdb file does not seem to be an issue.

I have put it on dropbox and access it directly by clicking on the database in dropbox. It seems to work ok. Is this a safe solution or is there a disaster waiting to happen. I would appreciate anyone's advice.
Thanks

 

[RainLover]

The problem is when a second user logs in. You will get a conflict.

To demonstrate the problem place an Excell SS in Dropbox. Get somone to open it then you open it.
While you both have it opened add some numbers. Then both of you close it. Wait a minute or two for Dropbox to update. Then you will see two copies of the Spread Sheet. One will say that it is a conflicting copy.

The same will happen with Access.

So you really can't use Dropbox in the same way you would use a Server.

If you can truly guarantee only one user at a time then fine. But I don't know how you are going to do that.

Just one more thing. If the remote user only wants to view the data then you can program to handle that. However if they want to make changes then you have a conflict problem.

Please post back if you need more help.

 

[Jonochristie]

Thanks

I understand about excel as it only updates when you exit and save

Does access work the same way off drop box?

I thought it saved ever time you updated a record?

 

[RainLover]

Both update when you save, not when you exit.

Excell only saves when told to but Access saves when you move to a different record.

 

[Jonochristie]

thanks. thats what i thought.