MS Access Problem

[JPFX]

Hi,
I have a network of 6 computers all accessing the same database. They all are running office 2000. The database was created by an outside company. The database worked fine on all the machines untill now, 2 of the computers the database doesnt function properly, it opens the database but I cant access the forms inside. I am fairly confident that it isn't a database file error or a network error. I have tried reinstalling access but it still fails to operate. I think it is some sort of file or program or windows update installed on the computer receintly, any ideas?

 

[InkaKing]

Hi JPFX

since 4 other pcs are working fine with the same windows/programs then I assume its a network error. So the problem might be in the connection (ex. network path) from those 2 pcs to the Database server.

For example if they are access through the mapped network drive, then the network drive from these 2 pcs to server might not active now !

 

[The_Doc_Man]

Another issue: Do the machines that fail on this database access other databases where they might have to join a different workgroup? That might cause forms to be inaccessible.

 

[JPFX]

The mapped network drive functions currectly because I can access other files etc from it, all the computers only have access to one database and are all working on the same name 'OFFICE'. For some reason I only have limited access to the databases information on these two machines, It will bring up the customers name but not there information, yet this works fine on the others.

 

[Joe8915]

JPFX

Now this is going to sound bazarr, but the same thing happen to me. I have some 40 users on one network. They can all open DB, some forms will work and some forms would not work. One of IT people found the solution.

The fix was go into the printer (default) and change a printer setting like 2 sided to one or something like that and then change it back to the orginal setting. Make sure you select "apply". Then it should work.

I will find out just where they found the solution, but I do know they have it posted on the board in IT room.

Its the most weirdest thing I have ever seen. We had the IT people on this for weeks, before they found the error searching the internet.

 

[The_Doc_Man]

Ouch! Thanks for the reminder, Joe. I forget sometimes that documents (in the Access sense) have special needs.

Certain "documents" don't work right if the default printer is not set correctly to a "real" device that can be interrogated to determine its print properties.

For the failing machines, do you have a defined default network printer or local printer that is currently accessible? If not, make it so.

 

[JPFX]

I just tried going into Printers and Faxes and clicking on my default printer 'HP Laserjet 2100 on Server' and changed the paper size, clicked apply then changed in back and clicked apply again, after doing this the database still doesnt function

I have attached a screen shot of where it fails, where it says 'Name' you type some of a name and it completes the field for you. Then you push 'Tab' and this is where the database fails on these two machines. On the others it will then bring up previous job detials, location etc.

Hope this helps

 

[Joe8915]

How about changing the profiles of users who machine it does not work on. This is just a quick fix. I will try to find the link on the changing the printers. This sounds just like the problem we had here a few months ago.

 

[JPFX]

Please help

 

[The_Doc_Man]

OK, there are many ways to have problems like this but I can't decide which one applies from the information you have presented.

1. Permissions across the network MINIMIZE with respect to the share permissions vs. the user's personal permissions. Whereas permissions that stay on one machine MAXIMIZE with respect to group vs. individual permissions. It is possible to get spanked by permissions through shares. Also watch out for the abomination of a "DENY" permission because one DENY cancels a million ALLOWs.

2. Permissions can come in from an individual Access Control List (ACL) or from a group ACL. If this is a "true" domain environment, verify that all users and groups have requred access to the resources.

3. Don't forget that printer shares and file shares use different programs. Verify that the permissions on the printer queues are not blocked against the users whose machines are failing.

4. In a true domain environment, the computer itself also has an account. Check for problems in the permissions (if any) associated with the machine.

5. If the other files are accessible but the stuff through Access itself is not, check the workgroup membership on the failing machines. If the machine is not using the right workgroup, your problem is that someone didn't JOIN the right workgroup through WRKGADM.

Beyond that, Joe's comments on having a bad printer setup describe the only other issue I have seen that locks up "printable" forms and reports.

 

[JPFX]

Thanks The_Doc_Man,
Could you explain to me how to check the permissions on these machines

Cheers,
Daniel

 

[Joe8915]

JPEX

After reading yor second responce, there is more going on. Now I am thinking
more on the lines of user profiles. Now just thinking out loud, maybe reset user profiles, other than that, I just don't know. There are a lot of experts here, keep at it some one will solve the problem. Highly respect the Doc Man, he has got me out of a few pinches.

The Doc Man is so correct. These permissions can and will do strange things to a database. I don't know how many times I had the IT team reset profiles and permissions of users.

 

[The_Doc_Man]

Permissions are hard to check unless you have cooperation of the admins for the server hosting the DB. From the "user" side of things, your interface is to find the object in question via browsing, then right-click to get properties. One of the tabs on that dialog box is Permissions. You can see permissions there, but if there is a SHARE involved, it is possible that you won't see the whole story. Which is why it is essential to be on good terms with your server admins.

Thanks for the vote of confidence, joe!

 

[JPFX]

Hi,
I have been trying to find information on reseting user profiles, without any luck . Could you please explain how to do this

Cheers

 

[Joe8915]

Your IT people should know how to reset them.