Question User design database

[Crusty]

Using Access 2003. Windows Xp
I've prepared a database cataloging books at a small library and museum.
The databse should be available on the single computer available at the library for use by visitors searching for books.
I have a form which loads at start up from which various other forms are available.
For safety (to stop fiddling fingers) I would like to remove all possibilty of altering the design or accessing quieries, macro's etc.
Can I do this please? How?

Is there a cut down version of MS Access to do what I want?

Thanks
crusty

 

[Mr. B]

Accomplishing what you want is more of a matter of making the necessary development modifications than a matter of the version of Access.

There is a list of things that you will want to do.
Set the following properties for your forms:
1. Set the "Modal" property of each of your forms to "Yes"
2. Set the "Control Box" property to "No"

Set the following "Startup Options" for your database:
1. Uncheck the "Display Database Window" option
2. Uncheck the "Allow Full Menus" option
3. Uncheck the "Allow Default Shortcut Menus" option
4. Uncheck the "Allow Built-in Toolbars" option
5. Uncheck the "Allow Toolbar/Menu Changes" option
6. Uncheck the "Use Access Special Keys" option

Disable the ability to use the Shift Key when opening the database
http://www.mvps.org/access/modules/mdl0011.htm

Using the options available in Access, create an .mde type file and have user use this file in place of the actual mdb file that you use for development.

 

[Crusty]

Thanks. That's brilliant!

One follow up please.
The Library and Museum computer doesn't have MS Access installed.
Not sure if their very limited budget will stretch to a full version of MS Access. Is there a cutdown version (at less cost) with wich they can view the database files?
Alternatively, is there any other software they could use to view the .mdb files?

Thanks
Crusty

 

[Mr. B]

You can download the Access 2007 runtime version for free from Microsoft. As far as I know it will run an mdb or an mde type file. I know it will run the new native accdb or accde file formats. User will only have the ability to do the things that you have built into your custom applicaiton.

 

[Crusty]

Thanks for the suggestion.
Downloaded MS Access 2007 runtime and installed. It gives no instal options and just disappears in the sense that I can't find any executable programme although various fragmeents of java with 'runtime' included in the name are present.

I guess the runtime thing attaches itself to MS Access 2007?
I only have the 2003 version so that may be the problem.
Any thoughts please.

Crusty

 

[Mr. B]

Try right clicking on your mdb file and use the Open with ... option and select the Access 2007 option and see if it will run it.

You may have to establish the folder where you have the mdb as a "Trusted Location" before it will work.

 

[SOS]

The Access Runtime uses the same executable file MSACCESS.EXE that Access, the full-version, does. However that limited version usually is installed in another folder in the C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\ in some other folder than where the full version is installed. However, I don't know that you can really install the Runtime if you have the full version on your machine (at least it doesn't make sense to do so). You can simulate the runtime at any time with your full version by renaming the ACCDB or ACCDE file to ACCDR.

 

[Crusty]

Tried Rt click >Open With. I have no option available other than MS Access.
I don't have a "ACCDE file to ACCDR." I only have an MDB file. (I'm with Access 2003)
I've wasted enough of your time on this I suspect. I will beg, borrow, steal or even purchase a copy of ACCESS 2003 and donate it to the Library and Museum I think.
WOuld I do better to purchase Access 2007? Would that software read the MDB files creaed with my 2003 version?

Thanks for your time and help.
Crusty.

 

[Mr. B]

Crusty,

Access 2007 will open and let you continue to work in your 2003 mdb files. With it you can convert your files to the new 2007 formats and then you can be sure that when you have installed the runtime version at the library and provide them with your 2007 database file, the runtime version will run your application.

 

[Crusty]

Forive me for being a bit 'thick'.

I can purcase the 2007 version and install it on my machine.
bearing in mind that the Library doesn't as yet have an Internet connection, do I have to instal more software on the library computer.

Forgive my lack of knowledge. I thought I would be able to produce a complete runtime package on my machine and then transer it to the library machine with a 'stick'.

Crusty

 

[Mr. B]

You will need to install the Runtime version of Access 2007 on their computer. You can download the Runtime version and just have it with you when you install your applicaiton. I believe there is an install utility that you can use with the Runtime version.