Converted database now read only

[Bob G]

I have an Access database that many people use. I often
work on making new queries and reports or make minor
changes at the same time that users are working in it
(the data is not split out). This worked fine in Access
97. I upgraded to a 2003 and when I try to make a change
to a query, I get told that it is read only. Am I missing
a setting? I originally had problems with it locking out
people when a second person tried to get on, but that has
gone away. I checked the property of the mdb file and it
is not flagged as read only. I also have the default open
mode set to shared. Any suggestions?

Bob

 

[Cheryl Fischer]

Bob,

Access 97 was the last version of Access which permitted design changes to
be made to a database while other users had the database open. To avoid
corrupting the database, you MUST split your database into a front-end
(containing all queries, forms, reports, macros and modules) and a back-end
(containing shared data tables). Each user should have their own copy of
the front-end which links to tables in the back end.

A copy of the front-end should be maintained as a Production copy on the
server. You should have your own copy of the front-end on your computer so
that you can develop and test modifications. Once your modifications are
completed and tested, you can replace the production copy of the front-end
on the server. There are many methods available to update users' computers
with a new front end, from training them to drag and drop the new file to
implementing an auto-updating program such as the one available at MVP Tony
Toews' website:

http://www.granite.ab.ca/access/autofe.htm

 

[Joan Wild]

That's the way it is - you need exclusive access to the mdb to make design
changes (this changed starting in version 2000).

You should split your database into frontend/backend, and give each user a
copy of the frontend. You can make design changes on your copy and then
distribute the updated frontend to your users.

Tony Toews has a tool you can use to automate the updating:
http://www.granite.ab.ca/access/autofe.htm