Help Sharing simple data base.

[mrchadwick]

Hi i've read a few post regarding sharing db accross a network but still not too sure if i'm doing it correctly. please bear in mind i'm new to access.

ok so far i've created my database (db1.mdb) which consists of 1 table 2 queries & 1 form.
i've placed this on my XP pc which is my dedicated server, Access is installed on this pc.
i've split the data base which creates db1_be.mdb, now am i correct in thinking that db1_be.mdb is the back end file which needs to be placed on my local pc's.? i've also linked to the table & sorted out all the permmisions stuff.

but i loose my queries & form.? (on the local pc)
what i really want to be able to do is store the database on my XP (server) pc & each user only requires the form to be available strickly for data entry only.

i may need to modify the form or queries at a later date but this will be done from 1 pc. am i on the right track.?

many thanks for any help in advance.

John

 

[Malcy]

Hi John
Your back end database should be on your server and your front end database on your PC (usually).
The backend should contain all the tables (i.e. the data)
The frontend database should contain the forms, queries, reports, modules etc. - in other words the gubbins that makes it all work.
You then create a link from the frontend to the backend tables.
From the front end go to file - get external data - link tables.
Select your back end database and then select the tables you want to use from within the front end. Click OK.
This creates a link between the two databases and you will now see the tables in the front end but they will have a wee blue arrow beside them to show they are linked.
Huge advantage is that your data is now kept separate from your processing so you can build up an enhanced front end database and then install it over the existing one without damaging your data.
One think to keep an eye on is that if in enhancing your front end database you find you need to add new fields to the back end tables then you must make these changes to the backend before installing the new front end.
Hope this clarifies a bit.
Also BTW not a bad idea to rename your databases with something a little more meaningful that db1.mdb
Good luck

 

[mrchadwick]

Thanks Malcy, but you metion front end where is this created as i asume the file should be simular to the back end (db1_be.mdb).?

is there a way i can copy over my form from the original database?

sorry to be a pain.

John

 

[Malcy]

No probs
You have got your back end Db which I think you called db1_be.mdb and then you have the original file db1.mdb.
If you used the MS splitter then I suspect if you open up db1 (which should be on your PC not your server) then you will find the table has a blue arrow showing it is already linked. Then look at the forms and query tabs and it should have them all as well.
If so then this is your front end. You could call it Test-fe.mdb or some such to make it easier for yourself.
Does this clarify?
Quite happy to come back again but may be out a bit later - daughter needs lift to dry ski slope!

 

[mrchadwick]

Ok Malcy,
all done i've spli me db file which created db1_be.mdb this is now on my server, i've linked db1.mdb to my table then copied the db1.mdb file to my other pc's.
after i opened up the file i checked to see if the table was linked it wasnt so i did it again, it seems ok now.
my forms & queries are now available which is cool. one question tho if i copy the db1.mdb file to the other pc's the only input screen the users will be using will be the form for data entry only, can i have my multiple users using this form at the same time, they will be recording info every hour day & night.?
are these records updated to the server as each record is created or do the users have to update or do a save command.?

hope you understand.?

John "i think were slowly getting there"

 

[Malcy]

Hi John
Yep you are getting there.
In answer to your questions you can copy the front end to as many PCs as you want but for your forms to work each copy of the front end will need a link to the backend data table. Otherwise where will it put the input data?

are these records updated to the server as each record is created or do the users have to update or do a save command.?

That depends upon how you programmed the form to update. WHat have you done behind the button you presumably have on the form which says "OK" or "upload this data"?
Chances are you will be OK but if you want to post a zipped up version of the front end I will have a peek at it for you if that helps. Might be easiest for me if you were to actually import the table from the back end into the front end just for verification purposes.
HTH

 

[mrchadwick]

Mmmm i dont have a button on my form i was under the impression once the data has been entered if i cycle throu to the next record it automatically creates the record & updates the table.?

would the original db file before it was split be of any use as i'm still trying to get my head round what you've just said. I am still learning.?

John
can i mail it to you as it's too large to send from here.? 147kb

 

[mrchadwick]

if you dont want to post your email address send a mail to jjchad_9@hotmail.com
John

 

[Malcy]

Private email sent