Unlock/edit a database...

[Regnab]

A friend of mine was given a database a couple of years ago. With a
change in her job requirement, she now would like to use it, but needs
to modify it. At the moment it just opens up at the switchboard, with
limited options in the File menu etc. I tried going to the Window -
Startup Screen, but in place of the 'Startup Screen', it has 'Main
Switchboard', which does nothing. Does anyone know how I could get
behind the GUI to edit the forms etc...

Cheers

Reg

[Regnab]

SOLVED!! Hold down shift while she's loading...

[lylefair]

I do.
Would I tell you?
Sure, if I could be assured that the person who gave the database to
your friend owned it, and intended to authorize your friend to modify
it.
Well, maybe I would like, as well, some indication that someone who
doesn't know how to get to some point where he/she might be able to
modify a database, could actually do something worthwhile upon getting
there.
But all this is redundant. Someone will tell you within the night.

The eldest Oyster looked at him,
But never a word he said:
The eldest Oyster winked his eye,
And shook his heavy head--
Meaning to say he did not choose
To leave the oyster-bed.

But four young Oysters hurried up,
All eager for the treat:
Their coats were brushed, their faces washed,
Their skin was smooth and neat--
And this was odd, because, you know,
They hadn't any deet.

Lyle

[Regnab]

Ahh good, just what I need - an ethics essay. Good work. How's life on
the high horse?? I take it you never had to learn the basics.... smuck!
And by the way, good reading skills - you noticed it was solved before
you responded??? Looks to me like you were just looking for a platform
from which to preach... sad - you should get out more.

[BillCo]

I think Lyle does have a point, in that if you dont know how to get
inside in the first place, then you are more likely to cause damage
when you get there... but still, perhaps the more appropriate response
would be to direct the newbee to a well of knowledge. We all have to
start somewhere.

But while we are on the subject of oysters:

A noise annoyes an oyster,
A noisey noise annoyes an oyster more!

What are "deet" anyways?

[Tim Marshall]

Regnab wrote:

Ahh good, just what I need - an ethics essay. Good work. How's life on
the high horse??

Don't take such offense, Lyle was trying to help you not destroy
something that was obviously secured to keep people with little
familiarity with Access and the application you mention from damaging
it. It's the same reason fire arms are supposed to be locked up to
prevent children or malicious types from doing harm to themselves or others.

You can sometimes tell from how a person asks a question whether or not
they have the knowledge/experience neeeded not to hurt themselves. Lyle
obviously interpreted your post in such a way he felt you didn't.

That doesn't mean he's making any kind of disparaging assessment of your
personality, though your response here kind of does that on its own.
Don't be so sensitive.
--
Tim http://www.ucs.mun.ca/~tmarshal/
^o<
/#) "Burp-beep, burp-beep, burp-beep?" - Quaker Jake
/^^ "Whatcha doin?" - Ditto "TIM-MAY!!" - Me

[Regnab]

The offense was more a result of the phrase...

"Well, maybe I would like, as well, some indication that someone who
doesn't know how to get to some point where he/she might be able to
modify a database, could actually do something worthwhile upon getting
there."

The stench of arrogance was a little overpowering to be honest. He has
essentially said that just because I didn't know one specific aspect of
Access (unlocking a database), I have no clue what-so-ever. While I'll
never claim to be as proficient with Access as you fellas are (seeing
as I do it part time for interest sake), I've got a fairly good handle
for making databases that work. The designs may not be perfect, but
they work. Because I don't sell them, I've never had cause to lock them
beyond having the startup screen fill the screen. So, when I
encountered a locked one, it was something new, and I thought I'd ask
to see if people could help. However, after going through a few books,
I worked it out. So I post the solution (to help others coming later),
but Lyle doesn't want to miss his opportunity to have a chop. So I
merely returned the favour... and yes, you're probably quite right. It
does reflect on personality. I'll ask when I need help and help those
that I can. But if someone wants to use that to make themselves feel a
little more important.... well, it rubs the wrong way.

And by the way Lyle, the altered database works a treat. The
modifications weren't real complicated - only needed to change form
designs and report layouts. If she was anymore difficult than that, I
would have had to call if someone a little better informed. If only I
had your number :).... you could have added a little more poetry as
well.