mis said:
So it loads as a background. So when opening small forms they will not just be a little window on the desktop were the user can click off the form and cause problems.
I think I know what you are looking for but correct me if I am wrong.
First, I can’t see why you would want to open a form behind your switchboard. Use your switchboard to fill the screen.However,
First thing you need to do is disable the windows task bar as this can be used to min. apps. ----- My end users are pretty dim so I just hide it and tell them it’s not available but sooner or later they will discover the key shifts to pull it up and then I’ll have to investigate killing it completely.
Create a custom menu, disable standard access menus
(Application.SetOption "Built-in Toolbars Available", False)
Have your custom menu’s load when you open the db.
Design your switchboard form to run maximized. Disable min, max and close buttons in the forms properties. (Do not forget to include an “Exit this App.” Button on the form)
Behind the “On Open” for your switchboard form event put “DoCmd.Maximize”
Make the form “modal”
Now you can either, create a desktop shortcut to start your app, or, you can be really mean like me and put it as the last event in your start-up bin.
That way it takes over as soon as someone pushes the go-go button.
Open all other forms over th top. ( if you put all your controlls in the middle of the maximized form then other forms will hide it if you open them cetralised in the window).
This is by no means secure and end users with any knowledge of computers will be able to get round it. (Ctr + esc will call the taskbar and start menu)But it will achieve the “look” I believe you are after.
To carry this to the next stage.
Create a start-up routine that disables the shift key and hides the db window.
Use a system of pass worded login with user level security.
Or (the near ultimate for Access) split the app into FE & BE and create an .mde.
Whatever security methods you use remember to give yourself a private entrance (Back Door) that gives you full control. It can be the biggest pain in the butt when you realise that you need to crack your own security in order to fix or modify your app.
Hope this helps
Pete