Planning maps for MSAccess 2013

[Poohbear0471]

My boss and fellow supervisors have requested I build a database to QA our department tasks. This is going to be rather complex, and a big learning curve for me. We currently have a database built in Access 2002 and our agency is now using 2010. There are many functions in our current version that no longer work and we no longer have support from the developer. Due to the security and lack of support, I'm unable to view the existing structure or code.

To help ensure I get it right and bring in all of the features being requested, can anyone suggest a good mapping/planning software? Something free would be great since any expense would be difficult to get reimbursed for.



TIA!

Ed

[June7]

Why can't you view structure and code? Is the database encrypted? Is it a split design? Is it an mdb/accdb file?

Maybe this site will help http://www.rogersaccesslibrary.com/

And you might find this interesting https://www.accessforums.net/access/...85/index2.html

[ssanfu]

Or maybe it is an mde/accde file?

fmsinc (http://www.fmsinc.com/MicrosoftAcces...Practices.html) has Total Access Analyzer...but they want $300 for it.


Crystal has some free tools on her site
http://www.accessmvp.com/strive4peace/MyTools.htm
Start with the "Access Documentation Tools". Don't forget to look at the other options: "Access Basics", "Video Tutorials" and "Learn VBA"


MZ-Tools has a tool for VBA at http://www.mztools.com/v3/download.aspx

[Poohbear0471]

I can't view the code because it uses a split, encrypted backend stored on a server I have no direct access to. IT coded it to use an application script to access the data and the original developer moved on to bigger and better employment without leaving any documentation.
Thank you for the leads! MUCH appreciated!

[June7]

Code should be in frontend. Can you open the frontend in developer mode?

[Poohbear0471]

No, the front end .mde file cannot be opened in developer mode.

[ssanfu]

Sorry to say, since the FE is an mde, you will have to reverse design your dB.

Have you tried contacting the developer to see what became of your source dB?

When a mdb/accdb is converted to an mde/accde (executable) all of the code is converted to machine code that is not human readable. You cannot recover the VBA code.

It sounds like your IT department might be able to recover the data. Otherwise you will be starting almost from scratch. You can see the forms and know what the dB should do. But it is not going to be easy or fun.

Best of luck........

[Poohbear0471]

Oh, I'm already quite aware I'm going to be reinventing the wheel and I was prepared for that from the beginning. At this point, I'm just looking for tools to help make sure I get the planning portion right. What you guys have provided so far is going to be very helpful and I appreciate it more than you know.

[ssanfu]

Get a whiteboard to design your table structure. Easy to change. Or pencil and paper. Or a large piece of cardboard (like a refrigerator box) with stickies and string.

A good (normalized) table structure is critical.

[June7]

So as far as you know the mdb is nowhere to be found on server or local drive? Tough luck! Don't hold back if you run into more issues and want to post questions.