Exporting a database?

[PoorCadaver]

Hi!

I wonder if there is a way of exporting (or something) the database into an exe-file or something? I would like it to be as easy as possible to use for users that cannot control Access. In other words, I don't want to be able to be able to make changes to all the tables, querys, macros, etc. I only want the master form to start when I start the database (I use a macro for that).
Is it also possible to use it without having access installed on you computer?

/Jonas

[Robeen]

Hi Jonas,

Yes - it IS possible to create an executable. I think with Access 2000, you should look for 'create MDE' file. It's been a long time since I used Access 2000 so I don't remember exactly how you get to that feature - but it is really simple.

Be careful to make a copy of your database first and then perhaps convert the COPY into a .mde executable file. Then if you need changes - you can still make changes to the original - copy it again and create a new executable from the new copy which has your changes.

If you install 'Access Runtime' on a user's computer - they can run your executable even if they don't have Access installed.

If you Google it, you will find all the information you need. I've found Microsoft pages on these topics very helpful.

All the best!!

[PoorCadaver]

Hmm... it sounds good, but when I try to create the MDE there's an error. It says: "failed to create MDE-file" and then there is nothing more...

[John_G]

Hi -

Did you verify that the database compiles correctly and that there are no missing references? I have seen that "failed to create MDE" message come from a compilation error.

John

[PoorCadaver]

Yeah, it was as you said. Compiled it, found a couple of errors, fixed them, then it worked!

But there is something with the mde file that is not right - I can still make changes and open the tables. I can't enter design mode, but otherwise there is no differense from the mdb file.

[Rainlover]

With an mde you can still change Tables etc but you cannot change the code.

What you need to do is to hide the Database Window and all Menus.

[Rainlover]

While you are at it disable the by-pass key as well.

[PoorCadaver]

How do I do that? ^^ I have a swedish version of Access and it's hard to navigate in the menues looking for the english version...

[Rainlover]

To hide toolbars add this to the On Open Event of your Menu

Dim i As Integer
For i = 1 To CommandBars.Count
CommandBars(i).Enabled = False
Next i

[Rainlover]

The attached Database demonstrates the
disabling of the by pass key.

[boblarson]

Hi Jonas,

Yes - it IS possible to create an executable.

Ooh, I'm surprised at you Robeen. It is NOT possible to create an executable from Access. You can create an MDE/ACCDE file (which is compiled so that the code is not accessible, nor the forms or reports changeable. But that is NOT creating an Executable (EXE FILE).

To run an Access application directly, you need to have either the full version of Access or the Runtime version of Access. But it still the MSACCESS.EXE executable that is necessary.

So, I would plead with you to not ever say again that you can create an executable file from Access. It is simply not possible. You can use other tools, such as VB6, VB.NET, C#.NET, etc. to use Access as a backend but to run the Access forms, and reports, you need Access.

[ajetrumpet]

So, I would plead with you to not ever say again that you can create an executable file from Access.

Why plead? This is a forum. There is no litigation risk here. Is there? Come to think of it, if you have decent friends and a social network that's not part of the evil hate-mongering world, there's no need to ever worry.

Well wait a minute...coming from you Bob, maybe there is...

[PoorCadaver]

I can't open the mde file you sent me. I think it's because I use v.2000 and you use something newer. But anyway, it doesn't matter. If it's not possible to create an executable or something, it's not that important.

Thanks anyways guys!

[Rainlover]

What are you wanting?

[PoorCadaver]

Nothing, it's just that, that what I want to do is not possible, so I'm dropping the question =)