Using C:\Program Files

[AndreT]

I used to be able to keep my Access program and data under C:\Program Files under Windows XP, under Windows 7 I get "not updatable" message, opening the data file under C:\Program Files shows "read-only". Does that mean I need to keep my data in other places?

Thanks for your advice in advance.

 

[NigelShaw]

there may be some extra permissions required with windows 7. When windows changed to vista, there were big issues when writing to Program files. I remember this vividly as i couldnt even install Sage. I had about 20 programs i had to install 'outside' of Program files because i didnt seem to have permission. I dont exactly know who did have permission as it was my own personal PC set up by me. nonetheless, there was the issue.

There is a bit of code about that will allow a certain registry setting to be change which does allow this but......... you are messing with the registry and unless you know it explicitly, (which you dont as you are asking the question here), i wouldnt go there.


Cheers

Nigel

 

[AndreT]

Thanks Nigel. This indeed is my own notebook, I'm the only admin account. I can move folders and files in and out of C:\Program Files\, but can't modify the Access data file. So it's kind of mystery to me.

 

[NigelShaw]

Probably a long shot but have you checked the properties (right click file) to see if it's set to read only? I'm still pretty sure there are some issues. When I compile an application, I have to add some settings for the registry to allow program files to work on any machine. There is a difference where the settings are made. Luckily for me, my installer does this but I do remember having problems to start with which led me to the solution.

I'll have a dig about


Nigel

 

[NigelShaw]

Thanks Nigel. This indeed is my own notebook, I'm the only admin account. I can move folders and files in and out of C:\Program Files\, but can't modify the Access data file. So it's kind of mystery to me.

Btw, this is windows. Just because you own the notebook and are the only admin account, doesn't mean you are 'the' administrator. If you go into your group settings, you can turn on the administrator account who actually has more rights than you do!

 

[Galaxiom]

BTW. While ReadOnly does apply to files, don't get confused by the ReadOnly attribute on Window folders. Windows uses the ReadOnly attribute of folders for other purposes that are nothing to do with them being ReadOnly.

 

[JamesMcS]

It'll be something to do with rights, for sure. Are you using A2007? Have a look in the trust center, its most annoying feature....

 

[NigelShaw]

BTW. While ReadOnly does apply to files, don't get confused by the ReadOnly attribute on Window folders. Windows uses the ReadOnly attribute of folders for other purposes that are nothing to do with them being ReadOnly.

Of course it does, makes perfect sense!!

 

[AndreT]

Thanks for all your input. I checked off all Read-Only properties of parent folders and files, but it still won't let me update. When I opened up property again, they're read-only again.

This is indeed related to Access 2007. Once I moved the files out to a folder I created, no more update issue. Of course I've updated the Trust Center attribute to allow anything to run from this new account I created. So the plot thickens...

My Windows account is indeed label as "Admin". The only other accout is the Guest account. I'll see if I can find any other admin in the windows later.

 

[boblarson]

Andre - just a note about the admin part of Windows. You may be the administrator but Windows Vista and Windows 7 runs with the lowest security level required. So, even though you are logged on as administrator, some actions require you to use the Run As Administrator for that item so Windows will run that with Elevated Permissions. They aren't available just as a default. There are certain hoops you have to run through and even your Access database can't do certain things unless it is set to run as administrator (not a good suggestion) and that is why you need a Manifest in with the database in order to tell Access what elevated permissions it requires. I don't claim to know anything more about that because I haven't used it before. I've just read a little about it.

 

[NigelShaw]

Hi
So everything works if you move to a folder you create? Is that folder outside of program files? If so, then my comment of permissions may be correct. There are some protections for example-

You may well be able to manually add a folder in program files because YOU ate carrying out that action however, an application automatically doing the same thing may flag up something with windows and as it's aim is to protect itself from malicious attack, windows might just not allow that

Nigel

 

[AndreT]

Bob - That makes sense, albeit sucks.

Nigel - Yes, the new file is under the root directory, outside of Program Files.

(sorry, some adjustments below)

So the conclusion - I'm converting an Access 2000 application under Windows XP to Access 2007 under Windows 7. Under Window XP the users used to be able to run the client version stored in \Program Files from their own PC with the data portion stored on server not under \Program Files even though they don't have Admin authority on their PCs. So Windows 7 gives extra protection to the client version which is the program version.

Wait, I also have a user file tracking all latest user parameters used, also stored in the client system \Program files. This one needs to be moved outside of \Program Files.

Please advise if you have any issues or concerns.