Open database through webpage or convert to web?

[Blackwidow]

Right, I knew this day would arrive and have somewhat been dreading it but excited by the idea of a new development at the same time.

We have a database within the school on our server that staff would like to be able to access at home through the internet. They will need to be able to view, add and edit data. What is my best way of doing this for someone who has never done this before?

Is it possible just to put a link on a website? or do I have to covert?

Is the MSAcces dataaccess pages something i should look at? Should I use VB.NET? ASP.NET?Frontpage? Everyone seems to have a different take on this from the forum but most of the advice was quite old. So what do you all think out there?

And How can I learn really really fast? Any online tutorials or Books people can suggest would be ever so helpful as well.

Thanks alot in advance for any support you are able to give me with regards my best route of action.

 

[reclusivemonkey]

If you want to use DAP (Data Access Pages), anyone wanting to use this feature will need to install the Microsoft Office Web Components. This would be the easiest way for you to get some simple web based forms going (although DAP is by its own admission not quite ready for primetime). Alternatively you could use ASP, which is probably the best way of getting web forms linking to Access. Using ASP will not require your users to install any software, but will require more from you in setting up the forms. If you can get all your users to install the Web Office Components I think this would be the easiest way for you. I know less than nothing about .NET.

 

[nateobot]

Also if you use an ASP.NET, ASP, PHP, etc... solution you will need a webserver. I have never used DAP so not sure if a webserver is needed for that.

I know schools usually have tight budgets, so something else to think of.

 

[Blackwidow]

how much would a webserver cost? I doubt this will be a something they will turn down anyway, because they have asked me to do it, can it not be linked through our own website?

 

[Blackwidow]

and is there no way just to open the database through a hyperlink on a website provided the website was secure?

 

[reclusivemonkey]

how much would a webserver cost? I doubt this will be a something they will turn down anyway, because they have asked me to do it, can it not be linked through our own website?

If you already have a website, you already have a server.

 

[reclusivemonkey]

and is there no way just to open the database through a hyperlink on a website provided the website was secure?

Absolutely not. You will need to either create "forms" via DAP, or write ASP/PHP forms.

 

[Blackwidow]

Thought that might be a stupid question? ready for another...
can I use Combo boxes to search students etc? I'm looking at the data access pages in Access are they updatable... for example if they will be able to log assessment data?

 

[reclusivemonkey]

can I use Combo boxes to search students etc?

Yes.

I'm looking at the data access pages in Access are they updatable... for example if they will be able to log assessment data?

Yes. As long as you have a Primary Key for the table you are wanting to update... that one had me going for ages :-S

 

[Blackwidow]

This isnt going to be easy at all just playing with the personal details screen and I cant even get a combo box to work on it! Any good books on how to do this? Preferably one written in English? I may be not bad at creating databases but doesnt mean I want to be bamboozled with Jargon!

 

[reclusivemonkey]

Not that I know of. I learnt about DAP by trial and error, but then that's how I learn about everything!

Create a simple form with all the fields you need in the main DAP area. The right click on the field you want to make a combo box, and choose "Group Filter Control". If you want that field to be editable, just drag the field from the query into the main area and that should work.

 

[Blackwidow]

i learnt exactly the same way... hey notice you work for the council hmmm.... isnt there some policy of share information.. maybe I could insist upon your temporary transfer to birmingham! (Joke!) thanks for your help will look at that tonight

 

[Blackwidow]

I just had to have a go before I went home and hey presto it works! I think its just getting used to a different way of designing so used to access forms expected the same and got something entirely different!

 

[Pauldohert]

Could some sort of remote connection work - then the users could just use the mdb or whatever it is without having to change it.

 

[reclusivemonkey]

...maybe I could insist upon your temporary transfer to birmingham!

LOL I don't think my boss would allow that... things would grind to a halt here!

Good luck.

 

[jackbuchan]

Dear All,

I have created a very user friendly visual basics form for our company that is used as a call management and vehicle update system for use within the company it generates a unique reference number and stores the details in a 2000 access database called Phone.mdb now i have linked this folder on our network server to http://80.46.108.9:9000 and have created a data access webpage for viewing certain fields in the databse this has been designed to be put on our main website and linking to the server database so we add calls and vehicle details into this and the customer can visit the data access page that connects to the database and enters there registration number or call ref no and it brings up there details and updated notes by ourself to let the customer and insurance companys know the status of the vehicle if it is ready or not !

Now i have got everything in place and what i am looking for is for someone to help me get the data access page linked over the http://80.46.108.9:9000/Phone.mdb to connect to the data access page to view the live data as when i put this data source in it will not allow me to view from this for some reason.

It works ok if you point it locally from your computer to C:/Documents and Settings/Jack/My Documents/Phone.mdb.

All suggestions would be helpful.

Kind Regards,
Jack Buchan
Buchan Automotive

 

[Simon_MT]

Alternatively, You could deploy a Terminal Server and leave everything as is.

Simon

 

[jackbuchan]

Alternatively, You could deploy a Terminal Server and leave everything as is.

Simon

Unfortunatley that is now what i am wanting to do can you expect a 70 year old customer who brings his car into get repaired is going to connect as a terminal server session to get on an update on his vehicle !!!

No chance i only want them to visit our website and go to the vehicle update page that connects to our database and they type in there reg no or surname and it brings up their record they do not need to add anything to the records only view !

 

[Boro]

I think that You have to open web form You designed, click on menu to wiev source and in notepad change source of data from local to server address and save it in notepad

 

[jackbuchan]

I think that You have to open web form You designed, click on menu to wiev source and in notepad change source of data from local to server address and save it in notepad

Hi there,

Thanks for your helpful suggestion and input Boro unfortunately i have tried this and it just says when you view the data access page it comes up with the form and says not a valid file name ?

Any other ideas you can test this by going to http://80.46.108.9/test.htm

Does anyone have any ideas i am nearly there getting closer i really did think Boro had cracked it !