Antique Access Database

[Gina Maylone]

Hello everyone,



I am working with a client who has one of the oldest databases I've seen in years. It works well, his brother (who has recently passed) designed it. All my client is able to give me are the data tables and the install package. I need to get behind it to see what all of the functions do. I was able to convert the tables to 97 so I can open in 13, but does anyone know how to get into the design view of the forms? I'm not even sure how to google the question, I've tried a few things.

TIA. Have an awesome day!
Gina

[ranman256]

If it is an access db, then the forms should have imported over.
Was the original in Access? (you just said 'database')

[rpeare]

I don't follow what the problem is, if the person gave you the tables (and they have data in them) why would you not be able to see the form design. Is the front end a .mde or self executing file? If that's the case you may need the developers version to try and open the original file. Way back when you had to buy a developer's license specifically for access/vb and if that's the case with this db you may be in for some trouble. However if you have the data and it's all up to date you really only would need to re-design a front end to mimic what they currently use it for.

[orange]

I was able to convert the tables to 97

from what? How?Perhaps it was built with logic controlled by something like VB (not vba) or another language?? (just guessing out loud)

[rpeare]

well the title of the thread was 'antique ACCESS database' I had assumed the original was an access db but now both of you are making me reconsider my assumption...

[Gina Maylone]

Thank you all for your quick replies. Sorry I left out so many details. Unfortunately I don't have a lot of answers. To the best of my knowledge it was developed in Access, the setup is an executable file, and I do recall the developers licenses of yesteryear, which I no longer have. I will just redevelop the front end, but there are a couple of buttons that run accounting type functions, I was hoping to get the calculations as they close months are forward accounts to the next month. I guess I'll just have to figure it out on my own. Thanks again!

[orange]

I think you would have to work with the accdb/mdb version of the database. The accde/mde would/should not have the details you re seeking.

[hertfordkc]

In 2001, I converted a DB4 database to Access 97. The updating and reports were handled under DOS and were rudimentary. However the tables were easily readable and converted. I created new forms in Access 97 to handle the updating and reporting. Beyond some insight into the necessary tasks and reports, the rest of the database files were unused.
This probably isn't the answer for which you were hoping, but it may help you avoid wasting time trying to find something that doesn't exist.