Access Application

  • Thread starter Thread starter Annie
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Annie

Hi experts~

My company had someone write an Access Application years
ago. The programmer uses an .mdb file as back end
database and another .mdb file as front end application.
The database was well designed. I am given a password to
the backend database and a set of admin account
name/password to the front end application. Users will be
able to access the reports needed by clicking buttons on
the front end application.

I am trying to verify the query codes that he uses to
generate the Reports. However, When I open the back end
database, I don't see any items under Queries, Forms and
Reports sections. When I open the front end application,
it only gives me the "Run Time Mode". I cannot go to the
Database Window and access the Design View of the Forms in
front end application.

I will need the query codes to verify if his Reports
Information are correct. How do I get access to the
queries that he uses to pull out the data?

I am more of a Database Deigner and Database Admin
rather than an Access Developer. Thank you soooo much for
your help~~

Annie
 
I also have a split application. What I have done is
taken the "frontend" database and put it in a common area
for the users' access. I have a master copy of the front
end to which I can make necessary changes while having
exclusive access to the file. You might try copying the
front end file to another location and then open and edit
that file leaving your production front end "online"
Don't know too much about the passwording, but if you can
get into Tools>Startup and click the check box to show
the database window, you might be able to get at the
queries for which you are looking.
Regards,
 
Annie -
It sounds like what you need to do is bypass the AutoExec macro that
runss when the app starts up. Do this by holding down the shift key when
you open the database. You may still have to unhide the database window
from the tools menu.

HTH
Ben
 
Annie said:
Hi experts~


I am more of a Database Deigner and Database Admin
rather than an Access Developer. Thank you soooo much for
your help~~
Click to expand...

Well, then your skills can applied very well to ms-access. Virtually most
good database design and experience will apply equally well to the ms-access
environment.

A few notes:

The split mdb front end, and back end.

This is standard setup. The back end ONLY has the data tables. All queries,
reports, code, forms, and whatever business logic the application has is
placed in the front end.

The front end is thus the application part. You always install Word on your
pc to use word. You always install Excel on your pc to use Excel. Both Word
and Excel are programs created by developers. When a developer creates some
software with ms-access, then that resulting program is simply installed on
each users pc. That is what we call the front end.

Normally, most developers distribute what is called a mde file. This mde
file has all source code/documents stripped from it. So, just like you can't
look at the program code for word, you cannot look at the program code for a
mde created with ms-access. If you ONLY have the mde front end, then you are
in big trouble, as you cannot modify this file. You need to have a mdb front
end. If your front end is a mdb front end, or the nice developer gave/left
you this mdb front end, that is what you will use to modify/change forms,
quires, reports etc.

Since we don't want the users to mess around with things while using/running
the application, then often the ms-access interface is hidden from the uses.
Usually this just means that when the application is launched, a start-up
form runs. You can disable this "fact" by holding down the shift key DURING
start-up. This normally gets you in the application. However, the developer
may have disabled this ability also.

So, you current goal here is to get out of the "run time" mode. (it is not
clear what you mean by this, but I am guessing that simply you want to view
the design parts in the front end. So, first check if the front end is NOT a
mde (if it is a mde, then you *can* view the queries, but you can't view the
source for the forms/reports).

Further, a mde is created using the original mdb, and usually created JUST
before distribution that mde to each user. I will assume that EACH USER gets
their own copy of the front end. (this is the standard, and correct way to
use ms-access in a multi-user environment). Sometimes, a company will try an
share the "front end" on the server also. This works, but is formula for all
kinds of trouble, and should not be attempted.

Also, remember, that while ms-access is only a desktop pc based system, it
still can requite a good deal of learning to find your way around. I would
suggest you perhaps get a few books, or some training to help you.
 
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