Upsizing Access Question

[mshelley1]

Greetings:

I have been using front-end back-end database, which consists of three .mde files connected to an .mdb backend on a Windows Server 2003 Windows XP Professional network. The database is a flat-file. Because of problems associated with record corruption, related to multiple users and memo fields, I am looking to upsize my backend to MySQL or SQL Server both of which I know little about. Additionally I am hoping that upsizing will help alleviate the slowing down I am currently experiencing as the back end grows.

My question is am I looking in the right direction will either of these correct my problems and if so which of the two should I use.

Mickey

 

[The_Doc_Man]

Corruption will occur in any product if you are not careful. It is sad that for Access, greater care than normal is required. But if one day you open up your DB and lo and behold, it is also corrupted despite your effforts - don't say I didn't warn you.

As to using flat files... are you saying you use Excel spreadsheets?

As to speed... in general, converting from raw Access to a third party back-end running local SQL leads to greater speed over the network, but can also lead to slower speed on the host in bursts. Depends on the robustness of the server.

 

[mshelley1]

Thanks for the reply. By flat-file I mean that it is non-relational; all data related to each entry is in a single row.

 

[Anonymous_354]

In my opinion, any one of the SQL database programs are better than Access. If you have a dedicated server, you should be just fine. How big are your tables? In Access, you are limited to 2.1 (ok, 2.095) Gb. I have 3 files that are maxed out at that size and they want MORE! I only wish that I could use SQL as well. This company uses Macola to do all of their Accounting work and such. Anyway, I'm digressing. In conclusion, I say go ahead and use SQL. It would solve most of your problems as far as speed, but only backing up can save your corruption. They have a SQL Server forum here, so that would be the logical choice.