External databases

In general we do this using linked tables.
When your users just need to switch between whole databases, then you could look into using code for setting the current database to another .mdb. For this check the helpfile on the subject of WorkSpaces.

Nic;o)

We already have the tables linked throughout the 30+ databases. Let me try to be a bit more specific. We have triage.mdb, officesupplies.mdb, mailinglables.mdb, cmdatabase.mdb which all have thier own front ends. I want reception to be able to access all four of these through a single front end. My hopes for this is that, because some departments can use up to 10 of the databases, that they dont have mdb icons all over the place, they can open the one and access all of the info they need.

There's no limit to link tables to different .mdb's.
Thus one front end can be linked to the tables of all back end databases.
It's the needed functions/forms that should be giving the guideline which tables should be linked.
Personally I did create multiple front-ends based on the same back end, but the other way around is no problem either.

Nic;o)

Quote: Originally Posted by rcollins We already have the tables linked throughout the 30+ databases. Let me try to be a bit more specific. We have triage.mdb, officesupplies.mdb, mailinglables.mdb, cmdatabase.mdb which all have thier own front ends. I want reception to be able to access all four of these through a single front end. My hopes for this is that, because some departments can use up to 10 of the databases, that they dont have mdb icons all over the place, they can open the one and access all of the info they need.

You can use the OpenCurrentDatabase() Method to open any existing, External, Microsoft Access database (.mdb) as the Current Database via Automation. The following code will Open the Sample Northwind Database from whatever Database you are actively in. Northwind will then be treated as the Current Database.

1. Declare at the Modular, not Procedural, Level:
   
   Code: ( text )
   1. Dim appAccess As Access.Application
2. Run similar code to open Northwind.mdb as the Current Database.
   
   Code: ( text )
   1. 'Initialize string to External Database Path.
   2. Const conPATH_TO_EXTERNAL_DB = "C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\OFFICE11\SAMPLES\Northwind.mdb"
   3.  
   4. 'Create new instance of Microsoft Access.
   5. Set appAccess = CreateObject("Access.Application")
   6.    
   7. 'Open database in Microsoft Access window.
   8. appAccess.OpenCurrentDatabase conPATH_TO_EXTERNAL_DB

So can I put this code under On_Click for a button? Or where would I use it to open the other database. When I put it with the button, it doesn't error but it doesn't open either. I put in my path R:\MDS_DBs\Misc\UIs\MailingLabel.mdb

While looking I noticed that I do have a .ldb file, but the database is not open anywhere and it will not let me delete it, says the database is in use and it won't let me in the database either

Quote: Originally Posted by rcollins While looking I noticed that I do have a .ldb file, but the database is not open anywhere and it will not let me delete it, says the database is in use and it won't let me in the database either

A Reboot should eliminate the .ldb File.

So after looking at the individual databases I learned that there must be a form set to open when the database opens. I set this in each of them now they work. This will be great, thank you for your help with this issue

Quote: Originally Posted by rcollins So after looking at the individual databases I learned that there must be a form set to open when the database opens. I set this in each of them now they work. This will be great, thank you for your help with this issue

You are quite welcome.