Database Owner <unknown)

[Theresa]

Created an .mdw for an Access 2000 database. Created a
shortcut to use the mdw for only this database. When I
open without the shortcut, I get an error - Good. When I
open with the mdw - I get prompted for username Good.

I went to another computer to test not using the mdw and
it opened it. I had removed permissions for the 'user'
group for open and removed admin from the admins group so
this should not have opened. It said the current login
was admin (how can that be?) and all the objects as well
as the owner of the database was <unknown>.

Very confused - Thanks for any help.

Theresa

 

[Chris Mills]

The system.mdw works as advertised - though it's very complex.

If you haven't already, get this document to work out which step you missed.
support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=/support/access/content/secfaq.asp

For example, you may not have changed the owner from Admin, and changing the
owner involves importing to a new database. Guests must be revoked as well as
Users and Admin (EVERY default). It is often said that ALL the steps in the
SecFaq must be followed.

Chris

 

[Theresa]

Chris,

Thanks for the information. The link you state below is a
list of questions about various versions of access and
security questions. In your post you write a 'step you
missed". Is there a document that shows every step.

I used the wizard to create the mdw file - so it imported
it for me and changed the owner.

When I use the system.mdw on my machine, it stops me from
going in - but when I use the mdw on others machines it
let's me in and makes the owner <unknown>. I've seen it
change the owner to "admin" due to the things you state
below - but never to <unknown>.

Any further ideas would be helpful,
Thanks,
Theresa

 

[Joan Wild]

Chris,

Thanks for the information. The link you state below is a
list of questions about various versions of access and
security questions. In your post you write a 'step you
missed". Is there a document that shows every step.

The security FAQ has all the steps (I believe it's the first question). You
have to follow every step outlined, in order - don't miss a thing.

I have also outlined the detailed steps at
www.jmwild.com/AccessSecurity.htm

I used the wizard to create the mdw file - so it imported
it for me and changed the owner.

You are using version 2000 - the wizard shouldn't be used (that's in the
FAQ, too). It doesn't do a proper job, and leaves your mdb unsecure.

When I use the system.mdw on my machine, it stops me from
going in - but when I use the mdw on others machines it
let's me in and makes the owner <unknown>. I've seen it
change the owner to "admin" due to the things you state
below - but never to <unknown>.

It's 'unknown' because the workgroup you are using doesn't contain the
username that is the owner of the object.

Start over, and follow the detailed steps.