This would be standard User Level Security ... Access ULS is "session -
based", meaning that when you open a session of Access, you are joining a
workgroup (security file) for the entire session ... the only way to
'unjoin' that workgroup is to close Access, then reopen it after either (a)
joining the appropriate workgroup or (b) using a shortcut with appropriate
switches set.
First try rejoining the system.mdw file. You didn't say what version of
Access you were using, and the process is slightly different depending:
Access 2002 or above: Open Access (NOT a database), click Tools - Security -
Workgroup Administrator. Find and re-join the default system.mdw
Access 2000/97: You'll need to find a file named wrkgadm.exe (use the File
Search for this, as where it's installed depends on your OS and version of
Office/Access). Once this file is found, run it and re-join system.mdw
You'll need to find system.mdw ... again, use File Search to do this.
If you can do this, try opening the db ... you may also want to try holding
down the Shift key while doing this, as this can open the database window
(although I doubt it).
A few questions:
1) The file you're trying to open ... is it an .MDE file or a .MDB file? If
it's an .MDE file, save yourself some time ... you cannot open this file in
design view, and you will not be able to continue development of your
FRONTEND with this file. Your frontend contains forms, reports, modules etc
etc ... and by saving this in the .mde format, the developer removes all
design capabilities from this file. If it's an .MDB format, then if you can
get around the security, you'll be able to continue design
2) If this is a frontend/backend solution, the datatables are obviously
stored elsewhere ... can you locate those and log onto those? This would
allow you access to the data, at least.
3) How is the database opened - desktop shortcut, start menu shortcut, etc
etc. If you open it using this method, then highlight the shortcut,
right-click it and select "Properties" ... this will tell you what file is
being opened, which workgroup is being used, etc
In the future REQUIRE that any outside consultant provide you with the
security information BEFORE paying them (and check this information to make
sure it's valid) ... while the frontend design is often NOT yours to do with
as you please, your data certainly is, and their refusal to allow you free
and unfettered access to that data could be criminal (although I'm no
attorney, thank God <BFG>)
--
Scott McDaniel
CS Computer Software
Visual Basic - Access - Sql Server - ASP
James said:
Here at work we had someone set up a DB into which multiple users enter
info via a front end of forms. The front end is secured: users have no
design view rights and permissionings are in place to only allow different
groups of users access to different sections of the front end.
The problem is the developer has vanished and hasn't left us any details
of how to log in as an administrator so we can access the underlying tables
and continue development .. all we have is the ability to log in to the
front end.
Can anyone give advice on how to start unpicking the security settings in place?
(FYI every time any of us opens Access we get a window asking for a
username and password, even if the specific db in question has not yet been
opened (perhaps this tells you what sort of security settings are in
place?))
