use of autoexec in access

[ntambomvu]

Hello chaps
I am trying to "decipher" northwind because i want to copy some of the code into my own programs
where can i find how to use autoexec in programming with access?
I see Northwind has it as a macro - but I dont know how to get there
I probably need to know about macros - where can i find some tutorials on the subject
Many thanks
Fred

[CJ_London]

macros are not the way to go unless you are only ever going to be a very light user of access. Reason is they have limited functionality compared with VBA and are difficult to debug when you have a problem.

To open a macro such as the autoexec macro. scroll down the navigation window to the macro's section, right click on a macro and select design view.

To use an autoexec macro, just name it as autoexec when you save the macro - it will fire up when you open the application after any form that has been specified in file>options>current database and subject to the file being in a trusted location

[pbaldy]

Like Ajax I don't use macros. You'd be much better off learning VBA. The only time I ever use an autoexec macro is for automated apps where I just want to fire off a VBA function when the app opens.

[ntambomvu]

yes thanks the answers are relevant and interesting- but-
i dont want to use macros for programming . I am just trying to decypher northwind.accdb and it starts with an autoexec.
i am trying to figure what kicks to autoexec into action
I have found the code in the navigation window - and can understand what it is saying ( although both call seem to be the same so i just want to
see what starts it off
thanks and regards

[ntambomvu]

yes thanks the answers are relevant and interesting- but-
i dont want to use macros for programming . I am just trying to decypher northwind.accdb and it starts with an autoexec.
i am trying to figure what kicks to autoexec into action
I have found the code in the navigation window - and can understand what it is saying ( although both call seem to be the same so i just want to
see what starts it off
thanks and regards

[CJ_London]

i am trying to figure what kicks to autoexec into action

when access opens it looks for a macro called 'autoexec'. If it find it it executes it, if it doesn't then nothing happens.

[June7]

The only macro I have made use of is AutoKeys to disable Ctrl+p because I couldn't find a way to do in VBA.

[ArviLaanemets]

I am just trying to decypher northwind.accdb and it starts with an autoexec.
i am trying to figure what kicks to autoexec into action

When the database is opened, a form is set to be opened automatically. Activate design mode, open this form in design mode, activate form's properties and select Event page there. There must be some event (like OnOpen), which runs the macro. You can activate the event and view or design it there.

[June7]

No, there is no code required behind form in order for AutoExec macro to execute. Ajax has it right - Access looks for the AutoExec macro and runs if found. A db with no forms will run AutoExec macro.

[ArviLaanemets]

OK! Using Access for so many years, I hadn't a clue about this feature! But honestly, I didn't miss anything (especially as I never use macros)!

[Welshgasman]

I think it is a carry over from the old DOS days?
If there was a batch file called autoexec in the root folder, then that executed when the PC started up.

[ntambomvu]

I think it is a carry over from the old DOS days?
If there was a batch file called autoexec in the root folder, then that executed when the PC started up.

thank you very much for this help - everything is a bit clearer now. so that creates another question -
i want to see what the code is doing so am i right in saying that i can find this out by using n"debug"
now please - if you have time - instruct me on how and where to insert the debug command
many thanks
( i am an old dos programmer - so you are quite right about that - but i am trying to get my thoughts around VBA )
so thanks very much
fred

[Welshgasman]

Just open the macro in design mode.
For debugging, see the link in my signature.

[June7]

Also review https://sourcedaddy.com/ms-access/te...ing-macro.html

[davegri]

Pictures help. Here's how to locate and view that autoexec macro's function:



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