Important question abt access 2007 security *8162008

[J.Alladien]

Hello All,

I just recently learned that user-level security does not apply anymore in
access 2007( I can't imagine why they would exclude such a nice feature) and
if I am correct the security can still be used in 07,but only in mdb.files,
but then some of the new cool features will not be possible unless you
convert to accdb!

Also I am thinking for how long will the workgroup security system be
supported ..what if the version after ms access 07 does not support it?

As I have lots of secured 2003 db'es I am in a bit of a dillemma what to do
now!

Is there another way to secure and control permissions to objects like with
the workgroup?
Is there any useful and clear information abt this topic to be found?

Any advice will be very much appreciated!
Thanks

 

[Chris O'C via AccessMonster.com]

Where did you get that misinformation? Access 2007 supports user level
security. Try opening a secured mdb file in Access 2007 and you'll get the
same "You don't have permission to open the 'C:\db.mdb' database. Please see
your administrator" message that you get in earlier versions of Access if you
aren't joined to the secure workgroup and don't provide an authorized user
name and password. But if you join the secure workgroup and provide an
authorized user name and password, Access 2007 will open the secured mdb file,
just like previous versions of Access.

Chris
Microsoft MVP

 

[J.Alladien]

Ok,

but will I be able to make use of all the new features of access 07 if I
don't convert and keep my db in mdb format?

 

[Chris O'C via AccessMonster.com]

You can use some of the new features of Access 2007 in mdb format, but not
all. For instance, the new ribbons, nav pane, SDI (single document interface)
and QAT (quick access toolbar) are available for mdb files. Multivalue
fields, attachment data types, history tracking in memo fields, improved
encryption and improved integration with Sharepoint services and Outlook
aren't.

Competent db developers don't need multivalue fields or attachment data types,
so don't convert to the accdb file format unless you need history tracking in
memo fields, the improved encryption or the improved integration with
Sharepoint services and Outlook.

Chris
Microsoft MVP

 

[J.Alladien]

Ok ,thanks a lot for the info Chris, and I think that your right, I dont
think I will be using any of the features you listed,

but can the mdb database be modified in access 2007, or will it only be
possible to open and use but not modify like it was the case in *97 and 2000*
in 2003?

Again thanks for the helpfull info!

 

[Chris O'C via AccessMonster.com]

With Access 2007 you can open and modify mdbs in Access 2000, 2002, 2003 and
2007 database format.

If you try to open an Access 95 or 97 format mdb, you'll be prompted to
convert it to Access 2007 accdb database format (unless you change the
default new database creation format). If you don't convert, you can't make
modifications, but you'll be able to open the db file.

If you try to open an Access 97 mde in *any* version of Access after Access
97, you won't be able to.

It's true that Access 97 has to be converted to a later version database
format before Access 2003 can make design changes. Whoever told you that you
can't modify Access 2000 format in Access 2003 is giving you more
misinformation. Access 2003 can make design changes on Access 2000, 2002 and
2003 database format mdb files.

Chris
Microsoft MVP

 

[J.Alladien]

Ok , Great to know,

In a ultimate case where I really need to use one of the new features I
think I can convert my 2003 dbs to MDE files and then convert them to access
2007, this way my forms and reports will be protected from any unwanted
changes and I will be able to make use of the new features, -- right?

Do you guys as MVP'S have any influence or input in the development of the
newer access versions,if yes I hope the ULS will be fully available in the
newer versions again!

Thanks

 

[Chris O'C via AccessMonster.com]

You can use Access 2003 to convert the Access 2003 database format mdb into
Access 2003 mdes. Both the Access 2003 mdbs and mdes will run in Access 2007.


When it comes time to convert to accde format, you need to upgrade the Access
2003 mdbs (not the mdes) to Access 2007 accdbs first, then convert those to
accdes.

Microsoft MVPs have a small amount of influence on the next versions of
Microsoft products, but not much. People who participate in user test panels
in Redmond seem to have more influence than we do. Get on some of those test
panels.

Chris
Microsoft MVP