Preventing users from changing the structure of a Access Database

  • Thread starter Thread starter Guest
  • Start date Start date
G

Guest

I need to know how to prevent users that share a database from
changing/editing the basic design/structure of that database. I am working
with ACCESS 2002. Any information would be appreciated. Thank you.
 
I need to know how to prevent users that share a database from
changing/editing the basic design/structure of that database. I am working
with ACCESS 2002. Any information would be appreciated. Thank you.
Click to expand...

Distribute only MDE files to your users so they cannot modify code-bearing
objects like forms, reports, and modules. Make sure to keep several good
copies of your original MDB file.

To protect the structure of your database tables, you will need to implement
User Level Security (ULS) on the database. You would then deny all permissions
to the tables and use RWOP queries for your users to access the data.

If you have never used ULS before, be prepared for a lot of work ahead
of you. ULS is not a trivial undertaking at all so I would recommend
ALL of the following reading material before beginning. Also, practice
on dummy databases until you are really comfortable with it.

Access User-Level Security:

Security FAQ (the Security Bible):
http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=207793

Jack Macdonald's Security Document:
http://www.geocities.com/jacksonmacd/AJMAccessSecurity.pdf

Lynn Trapp's Ten Security Steps:
http://www.ltcomputerdesigns.com/Security.htm

Joan Wild's Tips:
http://www.jmwild.com/security02.htm

The Security Whitepaper is also worth reading:
http://support.microsoft.com/?id=148555

Keith Wilby's Instructions (See step-by-step link)
http://www.keithwilby.com/

Other Good Information:
http://www.access-experts.com/default.aspx?selection=TutorialSecurity&sm=18

Other Microsoft KB articles of interest:

Description of how to help protect a Access 2000 database:
http://support.microsoft.com/?id=254372

Description of the role of workgroup information files in Access security:
ACC97: http://support.microsoft.com/?id=303941
ACC2000: http://support.microsoft.com/?id=305541
ACC2002/2003: http://support.microsoft.com/?id=305542

Exploring Microsoft Access Security:
http://msdn.microsoft.com/library/d...s/dnacc2k2/html/odc_AcSecurity.asp?frame=true

Good luck,
 
Jeff, Thank you for the information, looks like I am going to have fun with
this one.
Click to expand...

:-)
Yep, that should keep you busy for a while.

The quickest and easiest thing to do would be to create MDE files
for your users, hide the Database Window, and disable the Shift
key bypass. Depending upon how Access-savvy your users are,
just doing those steps may be enough to keep them from screwing
things up.

Good luck,
 
Jeff, Thank you for the information, looks like I am going to have fun
with this one.
Click to expand...

I'm sure you will. The most important piece of advice I could give at this
point is to always work on copies of your files just in case you lock
yourself out, it is easily done.

Regards,
Keith.
www.keithwilby.com
 
Back
Top