Navigating through Databases

[lopiner]

Hi to all,
I have several complex databases (in the sense that they have lots of elements like forms, reports and modules) that are used as applications for the day to day use. My goal is to merge them into one unique interface but I'm finding it hard to come up with a solution and i think that to merge them all in one unique file would create and unmanageable file. Any suggestions will be must appreciated. Thanks in advance.

 

[lopiner]

Hi,
Just to add some info. I have tried to make a Visual Basic Interface, like a menu, that would open the files, but i cant get rid of the "opening dialog" boxes of access and it all looks a little amateur. If anyone can think of a better idea in VB or other platform i would be most appreciated.

 

[DCrake]

Merging databases relies on non ambigious names found in more than one mdb. If you have same or similar functions/modules you may have to integrate each section one at a time.

Open a new database and import all the modules first and try and compile it. It will then throw up any errors. Make sure that all function/sub names are unique and are not duplicated in any way.

Repeat for forms/queries/etc until you have one master mdb.

The alternative is to build a master mdb that has a menu to open the other mdbs. and on close of the child mdb it returns tot he master.

 

[lopiner]

DCrake
Thanks for the reply.
That last solution seems very nice, i haven't thought of closing the child db at close and return to the master option. I just don't know how to "navigate" (open a database without security warnings and so) from the master to the child and reverse without on a user friendly way. Is this possible? (to avoid security notices and closing particular access files without leaving all files based on access)?
Thanks for any reply.

 

[Poppa Smurf]

Regarding David's last message at work I created a master database that opens a database depending on the user's selection. I have attached a copy for your use. Have a look at the module for the coding etc. We do not use workgroup security etc., the user can set access on the computer to suppress the security warning messages that appear when opening a database.

 

[lopiner]

Hi Poppa Smurf
Thanks a lot for the example and opinion. It looks like that that is the best option for me (just have to disable security warnings on every machine). A question popped in when i was looking at your method. Is it possible to pass arguments to the applications with the shell function? If its possible one could open specific forms with a link like yours. I saw this example from Microsoft but i cant get it to work:

http://support.microsoft.com/?scid=kb;en-us;207672&x=8&y=15

Thanks for any reply.

 

[Poppa Smurf]

I tried passing arguments from the switchboard table but did not have any success.

I know one staff member created a folder on his desktop and stored all the shortcuts to the databases that he used. This may work if you create a folder on the network with all the database shortcuts.