permissions issue

[vandell]

Hi,
I had a strange thing happen and I have no idea where to start to fix the problem. I'm using Access 2003 and have an order entry application which consists of a table and one form and it works fine. The table is on a server and there are 6 pc's using the information, each one has a copy of Access 2003. Each pc has Win 7, 5 are 32 bit mine is 64 bit. My pc was designated as administrator and all others were given group permission to use the form but could not delete records or use the design function. Last week I had the form open and wanted to use the design function which I have done many times but I got this message,"you have no exclusive access to the database at this time". I am unable to use the design function at all but the really strange thing is that all 5 of the other pc's now have full permissions, design, delete, etc. like they are all administrators. I am a novice in Access but I don't believe anyone in my office including me could have somehow done this, accidently or otherwise. I spoke to someone who thinks that somehow Windows updates may have played a role in this??? I would appreciate any idea's and btw the application still works fine and I have not found any corrupt data or other problems. Thanks.

 

[Access_guy49]

My first question (which i think I already know the answer to) is do you use a front end/back end split database? If you have multiple users working on a database (Even a database with only one form and one table) You should have the Backend database on the server, and a front end database on each local computer. This will allow you to make design changes to the front end without interupting users.

When you have a single database, ANY user that opens the database creates a lock file which in turn prevents you from editing the database in design mode even if you have permissions.

There is a split database wizard available in access 2003. I would advise you to use it.
Your backend will be just a table and your front end, you should store on the server as a "Install copy" but do not let users USE that front end, install a local copy of that front end onto each user's computer.

 

[vandell]

Thanks for your reply. Database is not split, all programming is with the database on the server accessed by a link on each pc. The strange thing is that with just my pc and the server on I cannot modify design and before this I was able to. Where do you suggest I start so I can learn to do this correctly.

 

[Access_guy49]

Where the database is stored, is there also a lock file in that folder when the database is NOT opened by anyone? it will have the same name as the database with a .ldb file extension.
If there is one, try and delete it

 

[vandell]

Hi,
I do see an .ldb file on the server, same name as database. What will be the result of deleting this? Thanks.

 

[Access_guy49]

The lock file occures every time any user opens the database. It essentially prevents Any user from making changes to the design of the database. It is the cause of your error.
if no user has the database open, the lock file should be automatically deleted.

You can try this out. Make a new database on your desktop. Close the database.
On your desktop there will be one file (The database) When you open the database you will notice another file pop up on your desktop (the lock file). when you close the database, the lock file will go away.
Sometimes the lock file does not go away and you can delete it manually.