Swithboard Manager

P

Peter

We have just developed a small database with Access 97 for
end users.

We use the Switchboard Manager for nagviation. We would
like to know should we allow the user to access
the "Change Switchboard Item" control ? If not, how can
we disable it ? And how can we get it back for our
maintenance ?

Thank you for your advice.
 
J

Jeff Conrad

in message:
We have just developed a small database with Access 97 for
end users.

We use the Switchboard Manager for navigation. We would
like to know should we allow the user to access
the "Change Switchboard Item" control ? If not, how can
we disable it ? And how can we get it back for our
maintenance ?
Click to expand...

My three thoughts on the first question:
1. No
2. No
3. And, No

I see no compelling reason to ever allow end users to re-open the Switchboard
Manager Wizard (SBM). If you have properly provided all the essential user-
interface elements (forms and reports), why would they need to access
this function?

The SBM Wizard itself should only be used the developer. If you followed some
naming conventions for your database objects, they may seem "foreign"
when your users see these objects listed in the wizard forms. Also, you
just open Pandora's box by giving users free reign to do whatever they
want. What if you have a lot of macros and they decide "I wonder what
<this> does?" So they select that option and then weird things start to
happen.

If your users want to change something, just have them let you know.
If you have sufficiently gathered their thoughts and needs, then this should
not be happening a lot.

Now to your second question: "If not, how can we disable it?"

Well, you do not *disable* it per se, you simply remove that option
from your switchboard pages so your users never see it. It sounds
like maybe you are using an MS template that usually has this option
on one of their pages. Just re-run the wizard and delete that option
from the page. Do you know how to do that? If you need help, just
post back and I'll walk you through the process.

Now to your third question: "And how can we get it back for our maintenance?"

You as the developer simply launches the SBM from the Add-In list
whenever you want to make changes. Then re-distribute a new front-end
(FE) file to the users.

Does that help?
Post back if you need further guidance.
 
T

Tom Wickerath

Hi Peter,

Only you can decide if you want your users to be able to change items. I
think, for most developers, that this is a recipe for disaster. Not only
would I remove this item, but I would distribute the database in .MDE form.
This will keep your users from making any changes to forms, reports, macros
and modules. If your database is to be used by more than one user, then it
should definately be split into a frontend (FE) and backend (BE) databases.
Each user should have their own copy of the FE installed on their hard drive.
The BE, which contains only the tables with the shared data , should be on
the file server.

To remove the "Change Switchboard Item" option, first close your
switchboard. Then open up the Switchboard Items table. Find the record that
includes this text in the ItemText field. Delete the record.

Personally, I much prefer to use an unbound form for my switchboards. If you
send me a private e-mail message, I will send you a one-page Word document
that shows how to do this. Do not post your real e-mail address to a
newsgroup message.

Tom

XXaos168 @ XDEcomcast . Bnet (<---Remove capitol letters and spaces)
_______________________________________

:

We have just developed a small database with Access 97 for end users.

We use the Switchboard Manager for nagviation. We would like to know should
we allow the user to access the "Change Switchboard Item" control ? If not,
how can
we disable it ? And how can we get it back for our maintenance ?

Thank you for your advice.
 
P

Peter

Dear Jeff,

Thank you for your advice.

Would you mind to tell me how to delete the option from
the page ? (Questino 2)

Thanks
 
L

Larry Linson

Peter said:
Dear Jeff,

Thank you for your advice.

Would you mind to tell me how to delete the option from
the page ? (Questino 2)
Click to expand...

I think most experienced Access developers are in agreement that the
Switchboard Manager is a complex solution to a simple problem. Many of them
do as I do -- I create my own Switchboards using unbound Forms, and Command
Buttons (and perhaps a few List Box or Combo Box Controls, too). That is
what I would suggest -- done in that manner, you have complete control, and
don't have to be bound by what the Switchboard Manager provides.

Larry Linson
Microsoft Access MVP
 
J

Jeff Conrad

Hi Peter,

Tom and Larry have also provided some good thoughts on the matter.
You should consider their comments as well, as they are quite knowledgeable
on using Access.

The SBM is somewhat of a "touchy" subject with people so you
are bound to get some very strong opinions either way. I'm a little
biased on this subject myself (long story), but here is my advice
when it comes to the SBM:

If the SBM works well for you and does what you need it to do,
then go ahead and keep using it. Not worth fixing if it ain't broke.
If the SBM begins to present problems for you and/or you are
constrained by its limitations, then it is time to ditch it and create
your own type of main switchboard form. Simple as that.

Ok, back to answering your question. Tom gave you directions on
how to delete the record directly from the Switchboard Items table.
If you are not comfortable with this, then just follow these steps using
the wizard. Make a backup of your file before beginning.

1. Launch the SBM again.
2. The first form will show the various Switchboard Pages.
3. Highlight the page that the option is on and then click Edit.
4. The next form will show the individual options on that page.
5. Find the correct one in the listbox and highlight it by clicking on it.
6. Hit the Delete button on the right side and click Yes on the message box.
7. Back out of the wizard by hitting the Close buttons until you are out.

That's all there is to it!

--
Jeff Conrad
Access Junkie
Bend, Oregon

in message:
 
P

Peter

Dear all,

Thank you for your reply and advice.

However, I am pretty new to Access and find that creating
my own switchboard application is too complicated for me.

Thanks again.
 
J

Jeff Conrad

in message:
Dear all,

Thank you for your reply and advice.

However, I am pretty new to Access and find that creating
my own switchboard application is too complicated for me.

Thanks again.
Click to expand...

Hi Peter,

The SBM should be fine for you right now then.
When you are ready to create something on your own,
and you will at some point, then you will have more
control.

Good luck with your project.
 
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