Access 2007 and MDE file Question

  • Thread starter Thread starter tkosel
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T

tkosel

I have a Access 2003 MDE file that links to an Access 2003 MDB file. I
understood that Access 2007 is not able to work with an MDE file. This is
according to Microsoft KB article:
http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/cc178973.aspx

However, unbenknownst to me, one of my customers somehow installed Access
2007 on a machine and ran the MDE file with it. I saw it with my own eyes!
The application had been working fine for years, but now all the sudden they
claim it is "losing" data.

First, how come it can even run the MDE file? Second, could the Fact that
it is running the MDE file cause data corruption/loss?
 
On Thu, 25 Mar 2010 05:02:01 -0700, tkosel

Interesting how people can interpret an article. I am quoting the
FIRST sentence:
With Microsoft Office Access 2007, you can open and use databases
created in Microsoft Access 2000, Access 2002, and Access 2003.

Do you have a similar quote from this article, supporting your
assertion?

-Tom.
Microsoft Access MVP
 
07 works w/ MDE; I think you are misinterpreting that article when it refers
to 'converting' to .accdb

As for losing data; there is generally only 2 causes:
a. during the write, the form closes while in dirty state - so the data
doesn't stick
b. a cross reference between tables (primary/foreign key) is being lost/not
entered/altered - thereby orphaning records in a child table giving the
impression that data is lost (which essentially it is).

But neither condition develops over time - it may or may not be a factor of
opening a db with 07 ....
 
I'll add a few more reasons for missing data.

3. As tkosel said, the customer 'claims' that the data is missing. Always
take such claims with a grain of salt.

4. Records can be lost if the database gets corrupt. If you manually do a
compact and repair, Access will warn you about this. However, if you do a
Compact on Close, you won't see such a message. I always recommend removing
the Compact on Close option.

5. Strange things such a doing a backup from a tape drive and overwriting
the database files with something a few days old or remapping a network drive
letter to some older data.
 
I would add an addendum to #3: Customer is actually over-writing or deleting
data without knowing it. Watch how they use the application, especially any
new users.
 
First thing, I don't know how my post ever even showed up here, I originally posted it in the Microsoft Access Discussion group where it still has not appeared! However, I guess I can get what I need here too!

Tom van Stiphout asked me "Do you have a similar quote from this article, supporting your
assertion?" I do, but perhaps I don't understand the English Language very good.

http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/cc178973.aspx

Relevant section below.

MDE file limitations

MDE files are MDB files that have VBA source code compiled into computer code and VBA source code removed. Office Access 2007 cannot convert or enable an MDE file. To upgrade an MDE file, you must find the original MDB file and convert that file.

I understand Convert, but guess I don't know what enable means. I took it to mean it couldn't run it. Guess I was wrong? Sounds like Access 2007 CAN run a 2003 mde file?
 
Tom and Others,

Sorry about the multiple postings, but I didn't see my original post until
at least 3 hours after it was made. I will be more patient in the future. I
do have a quote, perhaps I don't understand the language correctly.

http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/cc178973.aspx

Relevant section below.

MDE file limitations

MDE files are MDB files that have VBA source code compiled into computer
code and VBA source code removed. Office Access 2007 cannot convert or enable
an MDE file. To upgrade an MDE file, you must find the original MDB file and
convert that file.
 
IMHO, MS' choice of language in this instance is very weak and I can easily
understand your confusion.

"Office Access 2007 cannot ... enable an MDE file."

They would need to include a glossary of terms to explain that "Access 2007
cannot create MDE files but can open/work with/execute them". Or wait, they
could have simply stated it that way. :-)

But then this is why these forums are so useful! Other people can help you
clarify these type of interpretation problems.
--
Hope this helps,

Daniel Pineault
http://www.cardaconsultants.com/
For Access Tips and Examples: http://www.devhut.net
Please rate this post using the vote buttons if it was helpful.
 
On Thu, 25 Mar 2010 12:14:04 -0700, Daniel Pineault

I agree with Daniel. Poor choice of words. Perhaps you would like to
add a Community Comment to the article?

-Tom.
 
Tom van Stiphout said:
On Thu, 25 Mar 2010 12:14:04 -0700, Daniel Pineault

I agree with Daniel. Poor choice of words. Perhaps you would like to
add a Community Comment to the article?
Click to expand...

Quite the set of comments to that article. <smile>

Tony
--
Tony Toews, Microsoft Access MVP
Tony's Main MS Access pages - http://www.granite.ab.ca/accsmstr.htm
Tony's Microsoft Access Blog - http://msmvps.com/blogs/access/
For a convenient utility to keep your users FEs and other files
updated see http://www.autofeupdater.com/
Granite Fleet Manager http://www.granitefleet.com/
 
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