mapping Drives

[Dave31]

I have a database that is split with a backend of a server, and a front end on each PC using the database.
Normally, the server the backend is on is mapped to drive ('W'). Although, some people have mapped this server to another Drive (say 'X').
If the people who have it as mapped 'X' try and access the database, because the backend was placed on a PC with it mapped as the 'W' drive, it can’t find the database.

Is there a macro that will help? Such as a macro that can identify what the drive letter is with the server name, so it doesn’t matter what the Drive letter is and you can still access the backend?

Any ideas would be greatly appreciated.

Many thanks

 

[namliam]

Much easier way: use the full UNC path instead of the mapped drive letter...

The UNC should not change per PC where the drive letter as you have found does....

 

[Dave31]

Ah ok cool, but where can I change this to the full UNC path? As when I split the database using the database splitter under 'Database Utilities' I don’t get the option to change it, but only save it to the server (where it picks up the letter drive)

many thanks

 

[Brian1960]

UNC v Mapped Path

I amn't a fan of UNC links.
BUT
Open the front end and delete all the links then add them back using UNC paths instead of mapped drives.
The problem arises when your IT team buy a new server. No links will work.
Easier to run a BAT file logging on script that ensures each user has a standard path mapped to a directory on the server. If the IT team change the server they will know that they have to change the bat file!

 

[Dave31]

i know this is probally a silly question, but how do i delete all the links from the front end to the back end? and how do i add new links in?

 

[macca the hacke]

Go to tools > database utilities > linked table manager. You can then change where each table links to. If you want it to pick up the UNC name for each drive rather than the drive name, make sure when you are selecting location for tables you go via 'my computer', then it should be up UNC name. If not, then open the 'MSysObjects' system table, filter where type = "6" (giving you the tables), and update the linked table path in the 'Database' column (ie changing 'W' to say '\\mynetwork\' (or write an update query to do this for you)

 

[namliam]

I amn't a fan of UNC links.
BUT
Open the front end and delete all the links then add them back using UNC paths instead of mapped drives.
The problem arises when your IT team buy a new server. No links will work.
Easier to run a BAT file logging on script that ensures each user has a standard path mapped to a directory on the server. If the IT team change the server they will know that they have to change the bat file!

AHA but then again that same "IT team" should allready be taking care of business in having the shared network drives in one spot for everyone...

I have someplace posted on this forum a very easy way to change linked tables and to which drive/path they point... *somewhere* I can probably easier dig the code from one of my databases... but I will (maybe if you like) do that tomorrow..

 

[boblarson]

It's really easy to do UNC -

See pics -

 

[Dave31]

Thanks Bob for that. I shall try this out and see if it works, if not, then i might take you up on that offer namliam.