Splitting DB question

[gary g]

Access 2010.

I plan on splitting a small DB so other users on the network can simultaneously work in it as needed. For example sake the the DB is named Case Tracker and is located in a network folder named DBS that each user has access to. Once I split this DB I will then end with two files inside this folder: Case Tracker_be (the back end), and the original file, Case Tracker (which I assume will now be considered the front end).

To make the front end accessible to the end users I am getting hung up on the word "distribute" when reading instructions about the steps needed to be taken after splitting the DB. Often I will read that the front end needs to be "distributed" to the users, or some similar language.

After I split the DB won't the original DB file (Case Tracker) located in the network folder described above automatically become the front end from that point on? If so, then there would be nothing to distribute to the users since the file is still located inside the same folder that all the users still have access to.

Or am I missing a step somewhere along the way? It has been a long time since I've split a DB, so maybe I am looking at the whole thing the wrong way. Thanks for anyone's guidance.

 

[pbaldy]

You don't want multiple people opening the same copy of the front end; it will almost certainly corrupt at some point, among other reasons. Distribute means to give each user a copy of that file. There are numerous ways of handling updates to that file.

 

[gary g]

I guess that is what is confusing me. What file will I be distributing to each user (thankfully there are only 5 users anyway)?.

Before splitting, should I remove DB file (Case Tracker) from the network, then split it "offline"? Then re-install the back end file to the original network folder it was located in? Then make a copy of the off-line version of the DB file (the front end) and then install that on each user's PC (again, back inside the original network folder)?

I don't mean to make this more confusing than it is because I know it is a simple process for those who are used to doing it on a regular basis. I am just trying to work out the proper steps to make it happen. Tks.

 

[pbaldy]

You distribute the front end. I'd leave the back end on the server, and make sure the front end links to it using a UNC path (\\ServerName\FolderName\FileName). Then give each user a copy of the front end, on their C drive, not the network (presuming normal network setup).