Re-developing Access 97 databases to Access 2010

[melspence]

I have two non-trivial Access 97 applications, they are both client/server, and both are integrated with office. For example, users can fill forms in using Excel or Word and the forms are read by the db app to create new records. Both apps use Outlook to automatically send reports, alerts etc. Given the huge differences, between Access 97 and Access 2010, I am wondering if it might be safer to first upgrade the apps to Access 2002/3 and then take them to 2010. The apps are "mission critical" to the business unit, and they are understandably nervous about changing them, which is why they have been allowed to hang on to them this long, but, we are long past the point where we need to bring this unit into line with everyone else!

[Rawb]

If Access provides a method for updating directly from '97 to 2010, I'd say it's safe to just go all the way in one fell swoop. If that doesn't work, then I doubt updating to 2003 as an intermediary step would help. Although if upgrading to 2010 doesn't work, you may be able to take it to 2003 and just stop there...

Just make a backup copy of the databases before you try the upgrade. That way, if it doesn't work you can just copy the backup back in and you're good to go (just make sure you save a copy of the Backend file too!).

[melspence]

Rawb I tried opening them up in Access 2010 jut to see what would happen, predictably, they ended up all over the floor. I'm not looking for a short cut, I don't think there is one. What I am wondering is whether there is any mileage in re-writing the code to Access 2002 or 3, and then re-writing the code to Access 2010.

[Rawb]

In that case, probably not.

If you're going to rewrite them, then I'd recommend going to the absolutely newest version of Access available (that's not in Beta). That way it will keep for longer before you have to perform the upgrade again.

[redbull]

What about opening the database in 2003? I've had luck with saving a database in 2003 as mdb or mde format then being able to open the program in access 2010.

Another thing to try is to import the 97 database into access 2010 / 2003. Not sure if this would make a difference, but worth a quick shot.


There are some things that are simply not in 2010 though, things like the calender active X control. I would give this a shot before rebuilding.

[joyce_meghan]

Hi,
This can only be done one step at a time because a lot of changes have been made between 97 and 2010. So first import tables-then classes - forms and then debug it.
Visit this link for step by step solution http://www.techyv.com/questions/how-...97-access-2010

Hope it helps!