sharing small database

[wilkob]

I have written database to be used by 2/3 persons.
After finished the database on my PC I have hidden all database "stuff" (just the main form opens) and copied the file in a shared directory on my server.

I have set under tools -> options -> advanced the default open mode to shared, but when trying to access the database with multiple users it does not work.
Basically the first one that opens the database has the access. As soon as he/she closes the database, the other can access?????

Have I forgotten something?
Can someone please help?

 

[ejstefl]

That is a PC specific setting - make sure you go and do this on each PC that will use the database.

Also, how are the users opening the database? If you open it from a shortcut or from the Access dialog box, ensure that they are not opening it exclusivley.

 

[The_Doc_Man]

The most likely culprit is that you did not set up Workgroup security on this DB. If you did not, then everyone comes into the DB as "Admin" account. If you look deeper, you would find that for the DB object, the "Admin" account has the "OpenExclusive" permission.

In practical terms, Access tries to do an OpenExclusive if it has permission to do so. If no one else is in the DB, it succeeds. If anyone else is there, the attempt fails. So Access tries to OpenShared. But if the FIRST person had already succeeded in an OpenExclusive, the damage is already done because THEY have the exclusive lock on the DB. All others need not apply once that happens.

Search this forum for what must be a bazillion posts regarding topics on setting up Workgroup Security. You'll find anything from short to very long discussions and multi-message threads on the topic. It is one of the most common questions we get here.