Split database still has multi-user access issues

[fredalina]

I have a database with 12 users with write access (though only 2 will be using it daily and the others approximately once a week) and 24 users with read only access.

The database is stored on a server that everyone has access to. I have tried splitting this database and saving the front-end on my computer as well as a guinea pig's computer (I sent him the file via email, and installed it via my Sent items; the email utility compresses the file first). All files are set to Shared/No Locks, and I and the guinea pig opened the files by first opening a blank copy of Access, then choosing Open and opening the file on our computer (not exclusive but regular).

It gives an error that the back end file cannot be accessed as it is already in use, when we try to open it together.

Can you help me sort this out?

Thanks!

 

[Rabbie]

Do all users have delete access to where the BE is stored. If they don't then you will get funny results.

 

[fredalina]

The users I have tested with have Read, Read and Execute, and Write access. I also have full control. None of the other users have Modify or Full Control access, but everyone should be able to delete, though it's not a specific property that I know how to look up.

I re-split and re-loaded everyone's security settings and re-tested, and re-encountered the same problem.

Any other suggestions?

Thanks!

 

[Rabbie]

It looks like your FE is trying to open the BE exclusively for some reason. Or that something else has the BE open in exclusive mode

 

[fredalina]

It looks like your FE is trying to open the BE exclusively for some reason.

This seems more likely. How do I check and resolve this?

Or that something else has the BE open in exclusive mode

This isn't possible. The users helping me test don't even know it exists (they don't understand splitting, well, neither do I, but I at least understand the concept ).

 

[Rabbie]

Check that you don't have the BE database open directly from your own PC,

 

[boblarson]

This isn't possible. The users helping me test don't even know it exists

They don't need to know it exists if their copy of Access has the default set to open Exclusive.

 

[fredalina]

I don't have it (the BE) open when I test it (the FE), is that what you mean?

Also, if I have the guinea pig open it (the FE) first, and then I try to open it (the FE on my computer), I get the same error. Not sure if that illuminates things.

 

[fredalina]

They don't need to know it exists if their copy of Access has the default set to open Exclusive.

I checked that the FE isn't being opened Exclusively by myself or the other test users. They are not opening the BE directly. So I'm thinking the FE is opening the BE exclusively, but I don't know why or how to fix it. Does that sound right?

 

[boblarson]

I checked that the FE isn't being opened Exclusively by myself or the other test users. They are not opening the BE directly. So I'm thinking the FE is opening the BE exclusively, but I don't know why or how to fix it. Does that sound right?

what version of access are you using?

 

[fredalina]

Using Access 2003.

Thanks!

 

[boblarson]

Open Access on yours and your other user's machine and go to

TOOLS > OPTIONS > ADVANCED and check to ensure that the setting of DEFAULT OPEN MODE is set to SHARING and not EXCLUSIVE.

 

[fredalina]

Both FE and BE are set to Shared on all test users' computers.

Thanks!

 

[apr pillai]

Also have a look at

1. TOOLS-->SECURITY-->USER AND GROUP PERMISSIONS
2. select the User or Group Name in the USER/GROUP NAME list.
3. Select DATABASE in the Object Type Window
4. Remove Check Mark from OPEN EXCLUSIVE Option if present under the Permissions options group.

 

[fredalina]

Apparently the users didn't have folder-level permissions. Since i don't have control over the folder, i created a subfolder that i did have control of and assigned folder-level permissions, and it works well.

Thanks all for your help.