Removing security prior to conversion

[DaveMere]

I've got an Access 97 database which I'd like to convert to 2002 (new NT operating platform). The problem is that the database has workgroup security set up. As a result, I can't get into it from the 2002 version, nor does it give me the option to convert. However, I can't find a way to remove the security settings from the '97 machine. One tactic I thought of was to attempt to associate the database with a different .mdw file - but I can't find a way to do this.

How can you remove security from a database?

 

[Autoeng]

Read the Microsoft Security Faq's (I've posted the link many times before) and it will tell you how to remove the security.

 

[DaveMere]

Ok, I found the link. The relevant section appeared to be as follows:

The best way to convert your security-enhanced Microsoft Access application is possible only if you remembered to write down your Workgroup ID (WID) and Personal ID's (PID) when you created your original security-enhanced workgroup information file. You can create a new workgroup file in the latest version of Microsoft Access by inputting those exact strings. Then, when you convert your database, you are ready to go.

I have the original WID and PID, but I can't work out what to do next. How do I create a new workgroup file?

Dave

 

[Len Boorman]

Run WRKGADM.EXE normally found in c:\windows\system

Len B

 

[DaveMere]

Ah, thanks Len.

I think perhaps I've explained my problem poorly. Here's a fuller picture.

Our network is going over to NT piecemeal over the next few weeks, which means all Access databases will convert to 2002. We're testing these conversions now to make this process as smooth as possible.

One of my tasks is to convert an Access 97 database, with security enabled, to assess how this is going to go. I have found that I can't open this database with my Access 2002 machine, nor will it give me the option to convert without opening. Given that I can convert security-free databases, I assume the problem here is the security.
So, I've created a copy of this database to work with, from which I'd like to remove the security. However - given that the original is still live I can't change the settings on the workgroup file as this would alter the security on the original, live, database. The copy however still requires me to be joined to this workgroup to log in.

Hence (phew) - I'd like to change security settings on the copy database without changing the workgroup, as this would affect the live database. I thought the best way to do this would be by creating a different workgroup and somehow directing the copy towards this. I've had no luck so far.

I hope this is a little clearer! If anyone has any suggestions that'd be great. If any of this is still mumble, I'll be happy to clarify.

Cheers, Dave

 

[RichardJ]

There is no need to remove the security from your database to convert it!!!!!!

I'm currently going through the exact same problem at the moment... Business migrating from Win NT and Office 97 to Win 2000 and Office 2002.

When you open a 97 format Databas in Office XP or 2000, the first thing Access will try and do (yes before asking!) is to create an emulation table so that it can understand that old format 97 objects. If you do not have permissions on the database you are opening, so either if you have not joined the correct workgroup or you do not have permission to create new tables, you will recieve an error.

All you need to do is to join the correct workgroup and ensure you have permissions to create new tables before you try and open or convert the database.

If that does not work, make sure that the database is not on a read only location.

That should sort you out.

As were up to the same thing by the sounds of it, if you want to share your experiences etc then drop us your email and we might be able to help each other out as we go through the joyfull experience that is Access migration!!!!!!!!

 

[DaveMere]

Great to find someone with the same task!

I have joined the correct workgroup, and the neither the sub-directory nor the database are read-only. On attempting to open the database I receive the following error message:

The current user account doesn't have permission to convert or enable this database.

It then says I must ensure that

I have joined the workgroup
no-one else has the database open
my user account has sufficient permissions

The first two criteria are satisfied, I'm sure. So that leaves permissions - but it kicks me out before I'm able to enter a username. So how does it know what user I am, or what permissions I have?

Dave

 

[RichardJ]

I'm not sure why your not being prompted to enter a username....


Ive just tried this on my XP test machine, opening a 97 db on XP but without joining the correct workgroup... It prompts me for my userid but then tells me that I'd don't have permissions..

All I can suggest is to open the database in 97 and take a look at the security permissions your account has..

You need teh following to convert etc

For "New tables" you need Administer
For "Database" you need everything, so "Open Run", "Open Exclusive" and "Administer"

If you have all these there should be no reason why you can't do it

Let us know how you get on!