Locked .accdb file

[Cullihall]

Hey folks.

I have a database with extension .accdb. When I open it, everything is locked. I can't access VB Editor, Navigation Pane, Ribbon, nothing. It just opens a form and the only thing that can be edited are the text boxes on the form. I can't use Shift when opening it, that does nothing. It does not prompt for a password when opening. Is there any way to unlock this?

 

[AccessMSSQL]

Hold the shift key down while you are opening the database.
...oops sorry, missed that you already tried that.

 

[AccessMSSQL]

You can try creating a new databae and importing objects from the existing database. You probably already tried F11 but thought I'd mention that also.

 

[boblarson]

Did you create this or did someone else?

 

[Cullihall]

Did you create this or did someone else?

Someone else created this. When I open it it does not prompt for a password but if I try and create a new database and import objects from the database in question, then it won't import some object because of password protection. Probably the VBA.

 

[boblarson]

Is this an MDB, MDE, ACCDB, or ACCDE file?

 

[Cullihall]

Is this an MDB, MDE, ACCDB, or ACCDE file?

It's an .accdb file. I've never seen a file like this locked down before. I cannot access anything in it. Cannot even use the X to close Access, have to use the exit button that the user has on the form. No keyboard shortcuts work.

 

[boblarson]

The Shift Bypass key has probably been disabled. Do a Google Search or search here on

Microsoft Access Enable Shift Bypass Key

And then also the reason why there is no Ribbon or Quick Access Toolbar is that the person used, as their normal Ribbon, one that has StartFromScratch in there and then added nothing else.


EDIT: And it also COULD be an ACCDE file that has just been renamed to ACCDB which could be why you can't import certain objects, like forms, reports, modules.

 

[Cullihall]

This database has a splash screen that I just noticed that if I double click it, it asks for a password. I guess there is no way I can get this into edit mode without that password.

 

[AccessMSSQL]

I just tested this code on an app that I have similar functionality in - I lock it down except if the administrative password is entered (which I use only for modifications and releasing new versions). I just tried this against my application and it works.

Create a new blank database (in the same version as the locked down db) - Create a module and put this code in it (change text in red to path to your database):

Sub EnableShiftKey()
    Dim db As DAO.Database
     Dim prp As DAO.Property
    Set db = DBEngine.Workspaces(0).OpenDatabase("[COLOR=red]c:\database\miapp.accdb[/COLOR]")
     db.Properties.Delete "AllowBypassKey"
     Set prp = db.CreateProperty("AllowBypassKey", dbBoolean, True, True)
     db.Properties.Append prp
    db.Properties.Refresh
    Set prp = Nothing
     Set db = Nothing
End Sub

Then step into the module and run it or run from immediate window.

 

[Cullihall]

I just tested this code on an app that I have similar functionality in - I lock it down except if the administrative password is entered (which I use only for modifications and releasing new versions). I just tried this against my application and it works.

Create a new blank database (in the same version as the locked down db) - Create a module and put this code in it (change text in red to path to your database):

Sub EnableShiftKey()
    Dim db As DAO.Database
     Dim prp As DAO.Property
    Set db = DBEngine.Workspaces(0).OpenDatabase("[COLOR=red]c:\database\miapp.accdb[/COLOR]")
     db.Properties.Delete "AllowBypassKey"
     Set prp = db.CreateProperty("AllowBypassKey", dbBoolean, True, True)
     db.Properties.Append prp
    db.Properties.Refresh
    Set prp = Nothing
     Set db = Nothing
End Sub

Then step into the module and run it or run from immediate window.

That it awesome! It worked! Thank you so much everyone, especially AccessMSSQL.

 

[AccessMSSQL]

Cool! Glad it worked for you.

 

[Cullihall]

Now I just have to figure out the password for the locked VBA

 

[AccessMSSQL]

might want to try some vba unlocker tools. Not sure which one is the best.

http://unprotect-vba.winsite.com/