MDE Files

[claddagh]

Hi guys.

Just a quick one, I couldn`t find anything on this or in any books I have.

I`m assuming I need to create an MDE file befire I can distribute my database for other people to use ?

Anyway, that I have done, but the question is, I`ve done this and have a select number of ppl using my database, entering LIVE data etc.

Once This has been done can I open this back up in access and make changes to the database, eg forms, reports etc etc ?
If not, is there anyway, I can pull the data out of this and import it into my origanal file, which can then be remade into an MDE ?

I hope I have made myself clear.

Thanks in advance for any help!!

Max

 

[Mile-O]

The MDE is a separate file from your database; it is a compiled version. You create the MDE, distribute this (you've split the database too, haven't you?) and, when you want to do an upgrade, you do it in your original database, compile a new MDE and replace that on the users' computers.

 

[Bat17]

Also, MDE is not a stand alone program, they will still need to have Access installed to run it.

Peter

 

[ScottGem]

The key here is that you NEED to have split the database between back end (tables) and front end (everything else). Otherwise you would have to stop all data entry when you make changes. By splitting, you only need to replace the front end, the back end with the data stays.

Its not necessary to create an MDE for distribution. You can distribute MDB files, However MDEs are more secure and won't allow users to get into your coding and mess things up.

 

[claddagh]

Solved

Hi Guys,

I have looked into a few things and come up with a solution thanks to you guys.

I have now split my database into a FE and a BE.

This has now fixed my problem.

The other thing that i`m going to look into soon is using VB to create a front end to my database, so that I dont have to have access installed on each machine to run the damn thing.

Am i right in assuming, if you create a windows application in Visual Basic, and compile this into a program, using the MS data on a back end SQL server, I will not need to have access installed on each machine ??

Any advice will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance one again guys.

Max

 

[ScottGem]

The only time you would need to have Access installed is if you are using an Access FRONT END. You can use a VB front end with an Access back end without having to have Access installed. if you use an SQL Server back end then Access is gone from the picture.

 

[WindSailor]

Pat,

Once the MDE file is installed on a computer, lets say that the runtime was installed also, can that individual receive Microsoft updates as needed or is the developer required to keep all of the distributed MDE files (I guess the question is really regarding the runtime version) current on security and compatibility etc. issues?
If it is the latter, can this be fixed in the next release?

Thanks

 

[claddagh]

sorted

Scotgem, Pat,

Thanks for the info. For now, i`m just going to distribute runtime, and my mde file so that users can use it.

My long term goal though is to create my own front end, without access, so that runtime is not even required.

But this will take time.

Thanks for the info guys, once again, invaluable.

Max