Workgroup Shortcut

[R2D2]

I have a finished secured DB that I'm trying to figure out how to distribute properly. The DB is called "New Finance Queries.mde". I've got the workgroup (mdw) file stored out on the server at "\\Fin_tools\Finance Queries\New Finance Queries.mdw". I've searched this forum on this topic, and from what I've read on a number of threads, I need to create a shortcut that joins the mde to the mdw file.

Here's the shortcut I made:

"C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\Office10\MSACCESS.EXE" "New Finance Queries.mde" /wrkgrp "\\Fin_tools\Finance Queries\New Finance Queries.mdw"

I created this assuming that the shortcut will wind up in the same directory as the mde file, which is the only way to make it work that I can think of, since different users are going to copy this to different directories on their computers. This works fine on my computer, but I've tried copying it to a couple of user's computers and testing it, and it doesn't work. Access starts up ok (which means that it found MSACCESS.EXE), but it can't find the mde file. If you type in the appropriate path name into the shortcut, it works, but I would like to get it setup so that my users don't have to do this.

Anyone have any ideas why this won't work? I also tried using ".\New Finance Queries.mde" in place of "New Finance Queries.mde" since . refers to the current directory in all MS-DOS/Windows systems (to the best of my knowledge at least). This worked fine on my machine but once again failed to work on other user's machines.

Thanks!

 

[Autoeng]

First off you need to split your db so as that is a much better way to work in a multi-user environ. Once you have done that use a batch file to copy the FE to the same directory on everyone's machine. You can even put in a line to make directory if you want to put in a yet uncreated directory. Your batch file will also contain your shortcut lines. Then you will distrubute the batch file. When selected it will create the directory, copy the FE to the directory (making sure your users have the latest copy), run the command line to start Access open the db using the correct workgroup. I've posted on this several times but the most compreshensive is here...

http://www.access-programmers.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=36445&highlight=batch+file

Although Rob had some problems with his MIS department most do not and I'm sure that this will serve you well. The best thing is that you can keep a working copy of the FE on your PC and make and test changes without everyone having to get out of the db.

 

[R2D2]

Thanks - the batch file worked like a charm.