Preparing Database for Distribution

[JKoyis]

I'm about to roll out a database beta to the (non IT) users. I'd like to stop them accessing the design view, and making sure they can't accidentally get to the VBA code. Any tips on how to do this? General guidance on making my database user safe would also be appreciated.

[JKoyis]

should have mentioned I'm using Access 2002

[JustJim]

You should make and distribute a .MDE file rather than the .MDB file which you developed. This is an executable file with (almost) all the functionality of the .MDB file, but which prevents users from "fiddling"

You do this by clicking on "Tools" in the menu bar, then "Database Utilities" then "Make MDE File"

Be sure, very very sure that you don't lose, delete or have eaten by a dragon, your original .MDB file though. You need that to continue development, fix bugs or implement suggestions from your beta testers.

All the best

Jim

[MMcCarthy]

Jim is right.

There is a short step by step tutorial on creating an mde file in the tutorials section.

http://www.thescripts.com/forum/thread610723.html

Mary

[JKoyis]

Thanks for the advice.

I can't get it working though.. the make MDE file option is greyed out in the menu.

[MMcCarthy]

Thanks for the advice.

I can't get it working though.. the make MDE file option is greyed out in the menu.

Open a blank access database and see if the make mde file is greyed out. If it is you may need to have access reinstalled with custom options.

[JKoyis]

Open a blank access database and see if the make mde file is greyed out. If it is you may need to have access reinstalled with custom options.

I can't reinstall, our original CD went 'missing' long ago it seems. We do have a copy of Access 2007 which allows me to convert my old database and create an accde file. Of course this creates a new problem :-)

Functionality seems fine, but all the fonts are wrong and the background images are misaligned. Is their a miraculous quick fix for this, or does it all need to be done manually?

[MMcCarthy]

I can't reinstall, our original CD went 'missing' long ago it seems. We do have a copy of Access 2007 which allows me to convert my old database and create an accde file. Of course this creates a new problem :-)

Functionality seems fine, but all the fonts are wrong and the background images are misaligned. Is their a miraculous quick fix for this, or does it all need to be done manually?

Sorry but I haven't spent much time with Access 2007. Try checking out the office site. The following will show you how to create mdb files in 2007. This may solve your problem.

Change the default file format