Multiple active copies: "The Save action was canceled"

[JoshuaAnthony]

Hi there,

I chose Microsoft Access to write a database because I was under the impression that it could handle multiple users manipulating data concurrently. I have written the database and have done a few tests with two copies open at the same time. I have no problems in a form which is used purely to add new records. Unfortunately, in another form where I try to edit records, upon trying to save ANY record (even if the other copy of Access is not manipulating the same OR ANY record) I get the message: "The Save action was canceled".

Any suggestions?

 

[JoshuaAnthony]

In fact, just to do a simple test I created a table with 2 fields and linked it to a form. Opening two copies of this database, it doesn't matter if I am adding or editing records (regardless of whether both copies are manipulating EXACTLY the same record or not) I get the following message when pressing the save button:

"Microsoft Access can't save design changes or save to a new database object because another user has the file open. To save your design changes or to save to a new object, you must have exclusive access to the file."

Just for the record, I have 'default open mode' set to 'shared' not 'exclusive' under 'tools->options->advanced'.

 

[JoshuaAnthony]

Thanks very much. That works now.

So when you save a form or report, you are actually saving design changes rather than the record to the table?

Also, I've found that when I close a form, changes I have made to the records are seen in the table without saving at all. Is it possible to set a property somewhere so that the user HAS to save the record for the changes to actually be seen in the table (to prevent accidental changes to records)? I do want the user to be able to edit records (so want to have AllowEdits set to 'yes').

 

[Mile-O]

Get rid of the current Close button on your form with the Close Button property.

Now, put a command button on your form with the Caption: Close, or something. Call it cmdClose

On it's Click() event put the code:

Private Sub cmdClose_Click()
    If Me.Dirty Then
        If MsgBox("Would you like to save your changes?", vbQuestion + vbYesNo, "Save Changes?") = vbNo Then
            Me.Undo
        End If
    End If
    DoCmd.Close acForm, Me.Name
End Sub

 

[JoshuaAnthony]

That's awesome.

Thanks mate.

 

[stormin_norm]

Pat-
In an Access97 database converted to 2000, a button allowed the user to toggle between edit mode and R/O mode -- the code behind the button loops through each control on a form and sets the AllowEdits/Deletions/Additions to false.

If I wish to duplicate this feature I'll follow your advice above and set AllowEdits/Deletions/Additions to false on the FORM vs. each control. Nice, easy, less code

I'm not a real big fan of this toggle switch...I like the idea of using BeforeUpdate event with a msgbox and Me.Undo and Cancel=True.
Now to convince my customer.

Thanks Pat and Mile-o-phile for all the undo threads. I enjoyed searching on ALL of them
Maybe a sticky?
Yet another reason for a most asked questions section of this web site.