HELP!! Access File Distribution through a Network

[Avizan05]

Hi,

I have no knowledge or experience in developing Application. I am from a Testing Background.
Recently, For a requirement i tried to Develop an Application using Access and after two months are hardship, i have learnt VBA and Completed the Application using Access.
Now i have to Install this Access Application for Multi-User Usage.
Since i am New to the whole development thing i am facing a roadblock.
Following are the things which i have done.
1. Completed the application coding part and saved them in Compiled state.
2. Split the database into Front and Back end files.
3. when i change the location of the back end file within my system, i have use LINK TABLE MANAGER to update the location

Problem:
:banghead:1.In LAN, if i have Back end in one system and copy front end file to multiple user. How to Connect the Front and Back end?
(Note:I am Using Access 2013 in my Personal system.But the LAN systems(In which Front End file is copied) don't have Access 2013
:banghead:2. How to make the application workable for muti - user

I have tried googling for solution but i think i am not search with right 'keyword'. So i am end up with misleading results.
Could any one kindly help.
Even if u could share links which have details would do great!!!
Thanks In Advance

 

[CJ_London]

How to Connect the Front and Back end?

Sounds like you have already done it - you need to link to the back end when it is located in the designated loaction on the network - distribute your front end to each user - the only requirement is they have the same path to the location of the back end and have read/write access to that locaction

But the LAN systems(In which Front End file is copied) don't have Access 2013

In that case they will need Access 2013 runtime on their own pc (not

the LAN systems(In which Front End file is copied)

which can be downloaded for free here
http://www.microsoft.com/en-gb/download/details.aspx?id=39358
Note that if they have runtime they will not see the ribbon, object browser etc and none of the shortcut menus will work. You will also have to have an an initial form automatically open so you application will need to cater for these requirements. To test on your system which has the full access, rename your front end file with a file type of .accdr and run it. This will provide you with an insight to whether your application is suitable for runtime

How to make the application workable for muti - user

It should just work for multiuser but is dependant on how your system is designed to work. Your main issue is most likely to be two users wanting to change the same record at the same time.

 

[Avizan05]

I have tried link table method as u said and It WORKED. Thank u SO MUCH!!
I just need couple more details.
1.I dont use a server(We dont have a server our workplace). I have placed my back end in a PC and mapped the location to Front End. When i try to open a form its taking bit long time to open. Is this expected one or is there way to improve the speed by increasing the RAM(Currently using 4GB RAM and all systems are new)
2. Does using a Connection String help?If so could share a syntax of connection string.

 

[sumox]

hey there

Do you have used Tools--Compact and Repair for Frontend files

Do this on every pc

Secondly, to improve Speed, your Backend PC must be of good config.

Thirdly, Some DDE Refresh i think(not completely) option in Tools-Options may also
increase speed

Experts may pls. give opinion . I think you just send Your BackEnd PC Configuration
and is it connected wifily via router or Wired via Router?

 

[sumox]

Also Use Performance Anaylizer only in frontend !

this will definetly increase speed
some tips for increasing form/report speeds in multi-mode :
1> use less graphics, images, multimedia in forms
2> if required graphics , then it must be gif or lower one size on hdisk
3> if required graphics, then Resize it to smallest possible in form
4> use queries more and more, so they will use less data and less comm.
with b.e
5> Compact Regularly even daily or weekly basis . make a skedule
Auto-compact on close option is available from acc2003+ up vers.
6> USe indexing in Tables-- Design view See eachfield has option of indexing
Yes- no dups, Yes allow dups ... bla bla


Okey buddy, this is i think enoff for now, but u can google on "Access Increase speed in frontend"

 

[CJ_London]

is there way to improve the speed by increasing the RAM(Currently using 4GB RAM and all systems are new)

No - increasing RAM will have little impact - the main things slowing you down are going across a network and not having a proper server. Ensure all computers are wired to the network and not by using wireless connections.

As sumox says, ensure you have a good db design for the back end and the forms 'bring through' as little data as required to do the job.

You may need to look at forms which have subforms and redesign them so the subforms are only activated when required since these are opened before the main form.

Ensure you have a permanently open connection to the back end - this link explains how.

http://www.fmsinc.com/microsoftaccess/performance/linkeddatabase.html

Not sure if it is still relevant but it used to be the case to also keep path and filenames short - e.g. H:\DB\Backend.accdb is much better than H:\sales and marketing\data\database\sales and marketing database backend.accdb

 

[Avizan05]

Thanks CJ_London & Sumox. I currntly revisiting my application to see if it is designed as per ur suggestions.

@ Sumox : In my work place all system are connect through Wired LAN using CISCO 892 router (NET GEAR - Pro Safe 24 Port 10/100 Switch) , All Systems are new and has 4GB RAM(Including the system which has BE).
We Dont have any server