Set Form as User Interface?

[godsspeed]

Hello all,

Long time lurker, first time poster. I used to train in MS Office Apps but didn't really use Access and then went a couple years where I specialized in Excel. But now, in my new job we are finding a need to create a small db where our operators will enter in some Daily Machine RunRate information so I'm in the 'familiar but strange' zone at the moment. I remember doing things and seeing things done, but dont remember how to do them anymore! #accessamnesia

GOAL:
So what I would ideally like is to have the operator open the form, enter in what they need to, and then close it... but we don't want them to see or be able to mess with the menus/ribbons/get into other tables/or even be able to change the RunRate form.

Where I'm at:
I have the db setup and the form created and working. I've tried the option to "display form" when the db is opened, I've tried creating a macro to open the form and saving it as Autoexec and hidden the Navigation pane (not sure I want to keep this)... and while each option does allow me to open the db and immediately see the form, I can still change to design view and make changes and navigate around in the ribbon.


Can you help?!

 

[ersocia]

Hello all,

Long time lurker, first time poster. I used to train in MS Office Apps but didn't really use Access and then went a couple years where I specialized in Excel. But now, in my new job we are finding a need to create a small db where our operators will enter in some Daily Machine RunRate information so I'm in the 'familiar but strange' zone at the moment. I remember doing things and seeing things done, but dont remember how to do them anymore! #accessamnesia

GOAL:
So what I would ideally like is to have the operator open the form, enter in what they need to, and then close it... but we don't want them to see or be able to mess with the menus/ribbons/get into other tables/or even be able to change the RunRate form.

Where I'm at:
I have the db setup and the form created and working. I've tried the option to "display form" when the db is opened, I've tried creating a macro to open the form and saving it as Autoexec and hidden the Navigation pane (not sure I want to keep this)... and while each option does allow me to open the db and immediately see the form, I can still change to design view and make changes and navigate around in the ribbon.


Can you help?!

this may help you. please note the posters warning at the beginning of the post, however.

http://www.access-programmers.co.uk/forums/showpost.php?p=176407&postcount=8

 

[godsspeed]

hmm... if it were only me maintaining it... i'd give it a shot! But since that is not the case and those what will be 'maintaining' it are probably not as knowledable as I am, I'm afriad to go that route....but I do greatly appreciate your help!!!

I'm getting the feeling that what I'm looking for is not a 'simple' task to accomplish?

If my OP is not clear please ask questions and i'll explain the best I can.

 

[boblarson]

I'm replying from my phone so I don't have all of my resources handy. But there is code available to hide the Ribbon but the easiest us to create your own using the Create from scratch method. And go to File >Access Options>Current Database and uncheck the Use Access Special Keys check box so F11 can't be used to get to the Nav Pane. Then compile it to an ACCDE file so the form can't go into design view.

 

[godsspeed]

Bob, thanks for the reply!

Altought I am not familiar with your last bit of advice (ACCDE file )... I would still need a way to bypass the form so that I and/or a manager would be able to open the database like normal to do maintenance to the tables and whatnot.... (kind of like how you can Hold SHIFT when opening a db to bypass it automattically opening a particular form first) would this still be possible?

 

[boblarson]

Bob, thanks for the reply!

Altought I am not familiar with your last bit of advice (ACCDE file )...

If using Access 2007 you create an ACCDE file (it is compiled and you can't then go to design view on forms, reports, or modules) you would go to the Database Tools Tab, Database Tools Group and select Make MDE. In Access 2010 it is under the FILE > MANAGE (I think).

I would still need a way to bypass the form so that I and/or a manager would be able to open the database like normal to do maintenance to the tables and whatnot.... (kind of like how you can Hold SHIFT when opening a db to bypass it automattically opening a particular form first) would this still be possible?

First off, the database should be split so that tables are in the backend and then each user has a copy of the frontend. You work on a separate copy of the frontend, not ACCDE, and when ready for release you would convert it to ACCDE and then replace it on their computers. (You can use my free auto update enabling tool so you don't have to ever update their file, it can do it automatically.)

And then the backend you would need to have everyone out of it when working on the tables. That I would set a password on and then link the tables to the frontend.

 

[godsspeed]

.........wha...what was that!? HAHAHAHAHA

I tried to send you a private message but couldnt find the option. can you further explain the front end and back end, and the how-to's?

 

[boblarson]

.........wha...what was that!? HAHAHAHAHA

I tried to send you a private message but couldnt find the option. can you further explain the front end and back end, and the how-to's?

See if this helps:
http://www.kallal.ca/Articles/split/index.htm

 

[godsspeed]

Thank you, Bob, for the link!

 

[jenfish7871]

I recently took an Access online course and was given a way to make a database "user friendly" that didn't involve any code. I'm not sure if this works better or worse than coding or saving as a different file, but I'll share what I've done.

When you're ready to turn your database over to the users, whom you don't want to have design access to tools or tables, there are options you can deselect in the Current Database Options.

With your database open,
Go to File.
Click Options.
Click Current Database.
Remove the Checkmark from the following boxes:
-Use Access Special Keys
-Display Navigation Pane
-Allow Full Menus
-Allow Default Shortcut Menus
Click OK to accept these changes. Click OK again to acknowledge that you must close and reopen the database for your changes to take effect.

In order for you to be able to access the design tools and navigation pane, before you open your database, press and hold the Shift key on your keyboard then doubleclick the database icon. It should open with all design features enabled.