How to alter letterheads etc. behind database fascia / front end? Thanks

[CJ_London]

Edit: written before I saw the version used in the tag has changed. Comments still apply, but since you are going to install access 2010, make sure you install the 32bit.

Is it simple to upgrade to 2003? Do I just search Google and download it?

you have left it rather late to upgrade (about 10 years) it is simple, just open your file in your current version (2010 according to your tag) and select File>Save and Publish>Access 2002-3. You'll need to do this for both the front end and the back end



I note you are using access 64 bit. There is no benefit in 64bit since access makes no use of the additional functionality, If you can, reinstall as 32bit. To check your bit version go to File>Help






There are things that 32bit uses which are not available in 64bit so if you are using 64bit, I would not upgrade to .accdb just yet. .accdb uses a different database engine (ACE) from .mdb (JET). It is unlikely that this would cause a problem in the back end, but you may find some things stop working in the front end - all depends on the code your developer created.

There will come a point when 2003 will also no longer work with later versions of Access so personally, I would look to upgrade to .accdb in the not too distant future. Just don't do it until someone who knows what they are doing can take a look at your application and do the upgrade for you.

[bjandch]

Thanks, Colin, purchased! I know it says 2002 - it's because it won't let me put 2000 in - it is clearly too antiquated

[bjandch]

Totally agreed, thanks. Hopefully, I am only using it for this year - I am planning to have a whole new system for next year - I just need to manage with this one for one more season. I need to find someone reliable who can adapt or write a theatre booking style web site - with a few complications because customers need to be able to make provisional bookings rather than just having to buy outright. Only trouble is, I have no idea where to go to find such a person or even what sort of qualifications or skills they should have. It all feels like a bit of a nightmare, to be honest, but I am very grateful for your help.
B

[bjandch]

Thanks, Ajax, that's fantastic. I have bought a 32 bit and 64 bit version of 2010 so will make sure I install as 32 bit.
B

[CJ_London]

I need to find someone reliable who can adapt or write a theatre booking style web site - with a few complications because customers need to be able to make provisional bookings rather than just having to buy outright

don't know where you are in the world, but in the first instance would google something like 'web developers {my location}' to find someone local - often better to be able to meet face to face in the first instance. Make sure to get some references from their clients, both for the quality of the work, ongoing support and ease of working with. Be aware that there are developers out there who will provide links to their 'client' websites or a screenshot of the client home page which are totally false. I was asked to find someone for a client, and my research turned up a surprising number where the 'client' had never heard of them - and pointed to the developer accredited with the website shown on their pages!

With regards the quote, be as clear as possible about what the site looks like, what it is required to do (not just for the user, but also how you want to access the data) and the required 'user experience'. If you don't the development will suffer from 'mission creep' and costs will spiral.

[bjandch]

Thank you, Ajax, you've been so helpful. I will do as you suggest. I am feeling quite worried about it because it is not a straightforward system. A normal theatre booking thing would be no issue but it's different. But thanks for all your help, I'll report back on my success with the new Access arrives and follow your advice

B