Password HELP!!!!!

[Charlie]

While experimenting with security settings (I generally
work alone and don't use them) I managed to set a database
logon password. I thought I was just working with a copy
of an extra database so I couldn't screw anything up, but
this was obviously a global setting. Now I can't open any
database without being prompted for a password, and the
one I thought I entered doesn't work! I even tried
removing and reinstalling Office XP with no result. What
can I do? I currently am helpless to use Access at all!

 

[Joan Wild]

While experimenting with security settings (I generally
work alone and don't use them) I managed to set a database
logon password.

Is it just the database password, or is it username/password prompt?

I thought I was just working with a copy
of an extra database so I couldn't screw anything up, but
this was obviously a global setting. Now I can't open any
database without being prompted for a password, and the
one I thought I entered doesn't work!

Given that this occurs every time you open Access, I'll assume
username/password prompt. In your experimenting, did you just run the
security wizard? If so, look in the folder where your mdb is, you should
see another file with the same name but a bak extension.

Also use Start, search and locate all *.mdw files on your computer.

Open Access, but no database and go to Tools, Security, Workgroup
Administrator. This will show you the workgroup (mdw) you are currently
joined to by default. Click join, and try joining back to the standard
system.mdw that ships with Access (it usually is in the windows system
folder, but your search should help you locate it). Once you are joined to
it, try creating a new mdb. As long as you get no login prompt, you're
almost back in business.

If you found that bak file above, delete your mdb and rename the bak file to
have a mdb extension.

Delete all the mdw files you found (except for the standard system.mdw)

That should get you back to square one.

 

[Guest]

Thank you!!!! (kissing the ground before your feet) This
was shaping up to be a really bad Friday. I'm back in
business now.

 

[Joan Wild]

Great, glad you got it working.