Can access databases be compiled into executables (.EXE)?

G

genevogt

I've got an Access database application that I'd like to distribute without
requiring the recipient to have MS-Access installed. Is there a "compiler"
for MS-Access?
 
D

Douglas J Steele

No.

Your options are:

1) Rewrite the application in a language that can be compiled (such as VB or
VC++)
2) Rewrite the application as a web app
3) Get whatever Developer edition is appropriate for your version of Access
(see what Tony Toews has at
http://www.granite.ab.ca/access/developereditionfaq.htm for details) and
distribute your application along with the royalty-free run-time version of
Access that the Developer edition allows you to distribute.
 
G

George Nicholson

No. Applications developed in Access require some version of Access to run.

However, there is a Runtime version of Access available. It is actually the
same set of files as the retail version (so the machine requirements are the
same), but it has limited functionality (Runtime users can't create any
forms, reports, databases, etc., no "built-in" toolbars - only those
supplied by the developer, etc.)

Prior to Office 2003, the "Developers Editions" of Access/Office included a
license for the royalty-free distribution of the Runtime files with your
application. For Office 2003 the Runtime files are part of the Access
Developers Extensions included in the Visual Studio Tools for Office 2003
box or MSDN Universal subscription. For more information on what to look
for, depending on your version:
http://www.granite.ab.ca/access/developereditionversions.htm

HTH,
 
Top