.mde built with 03, won't run properly on 03RT, no access to source

[stateofjustin]

Hello everyone!



Not sure if this is the proper forum to ask this in, but I didn't seen anything that looked like a better choice so...

I have a program that was written in 2003 many years ago, and is now being forced to run with only the 03 run time. Problem is at least two bugs have been found, and I fear more will be uncovered shortly.

First bug: On the main display page there is a programmed minimize and maximize button. Upon pressing the minimize button, the program crashes with any currently input data lost. Because of how the users have used this program and for how long, this is a big problem. I know "Alt + Tab" can get around the issue, but I'm afraid to say even as simple as that is, it is not a practical solution.

Second bug: In some sub section of data entry, once a selection is made (even if you selected the wrong item) it will not allow you to remove it. I know that is vague, but it's all I can remember off the top of my head. I'll dig up my e-mail on it and update that.

I do not have access to the original source code, which would obviously be the best place to start.

So my question is, what is the best way to go about finding out what the program is looking to call or is being restricted from calling with the run time that it normally had available in full 03. The RT in question I believe to be SP1, but this program during start-up always displays a warning about Jet 4 SP level not being what it should. Apparently because MS's last update to Jet 4 did not have an SP number, so the program isn't smart enough to see that a higher SP is installed. Not sure if that is an issue or not, but since I have that information I thought I would share it.

Also, the program runs even worse in 07 or the 07 RT.

Any thoughts? Thank you in advance for any input, gold stars for answers

[RuralGuy]

I wish I better news to suggest. There are sites that can do a pretty good job of recreating the source code of an .mde. Depending on the value of the system and your ability to prove you are entitled to the source, they may work for you for a price.

[stateofjustin]

So, you are saying there is no way to determine what support files are needed along with the 2003 RT to allow this to run properly with the RT?

I kind of find that hard to believe.

[RuralGuy]

Your options are very limited without the source code. Please feel free to await an answer that suits you better. I certainly do not know everything!

[stateofjustin]

Ever used a sandbox before? I may try that on Monday when I have access to the program again. If anyone else has any suggestions, please have at it!

Thanks for the input Rural, this isn't an easy or common one by any means...

[stateofjustin]

Okay, by miracle or grace of god... the powers that be have agreed to give me access to the source code.

SO, now I'm looking for troubleshooting advice to get the program working on the 2003RT. What say you? It was written and intended originally to be run with full Access 2003.

[RuralGuy]

Outstanding! Using the RunTime with an .mde requires really good error handling as you have discovered. Does it compile without errors? Probably, but I had to ask. Can you get the MDB to fail using just the RunTime?

[stateofjustin]

While they agreed to let me have it, they haven't sent it over yet.

Yes the program compiles without errors in the full version, that much I do know.

As soon as I get it I will let you know and then double check the above.

[RuralGuy]

Do you have a good test bed on which you can duplicate the issue? Unfortunately, AFAIK there is no easy way to catch and document every possible error and where it occurs in the code. We can deal with the various issues when you have some source code to modify.

[stateofjustin]

Yes, I have reliable and redundant computers available... for 03, 03RT, 07 and 07RT.

So far the only verified error is the 'minimize' button crashing the program. The other issue I mentioned may be avoidable, I was given a possible solution from within the program itself. If the only issue are the 'minimize' and possibly GBA 'maximize' buttons, I would imagine they are macro based. When you open the program, on 03 or 03RT you get a security warning about macros. Doesn't that only occur when it detects that macros are present in the DB?

[RuralGuy]

It was a feature that was added in 03 and I only have XP (02), 07 and 10. I think you get it when the security setting in 03 (not even in 02) are set too high but I could be wrong on that.

[stateofjustin]

Here's the code for WindowCntl, the area responsible for the function that crashes in the RT.

This is called from the button (cmdMin1) in the form:

Private Sub cmdMin1_Click()
fSetAccessWindow (SW_SHOWMINIMIZED)
End Sub

Which goes to...

Global Const SW_HIDE = 0
Global Const SW_SHOWNORMAL = 1
Global Const SW_SHOWMINIMIZED = 2
Global Const SW_SHOWMAXIMIZED = 3


Private Declare Function apiShowWindow Lib "user32" _
Alias "ShowWindow" (ByVal hwnd As Long, _
ByVal nCmdShow As Long) As Long

Function fSetAccessWindow(nCmdShow As Long)
'Usage Examples
'Maximize window:
' ?fSetAccessWindow(SW_SHOWMAXIMIZED)
'Minimize window:
' ?fSetAccessWindow(SW_SHOWMINIMIZED)
'Hide window:
' ?fSetAccessWindow(SW_HIDE)
'Normal window:
' ?fSetAccessWindow(SW_SHOWNORMAL)
'
Dim loX As Long
Dim loForm As Form
On Error Resume Next
Set loForm = Screen.ActiveForm
If err <> 0 Then 'no Activeform
If nCmdShow = SW_HIDE Then
MsgBox "Cannot hide Access unless " _
& "a form is on screen"
Else
loX = apiShowWindow(hWndAccessApp, nCmdShow)
err.Clear
End If
Else
If nCmdShow = SW_SHOWMINIMIZED And loForm.Modal = True Then
MsgBox "Cannot minimize Access with " _
& (loForm.Caption + " ") _
& "form on screen"
ElseIf nCmdShow = SW_HIDE And loForm.PopUp <> True Then
MsgBox "Cannot hide Access with " _
& (loForm.Caption + " ") _
& "form on screen"
Else
loX = apiShowWindow(hWndAccessApp, nCmdShow)
End If
End If
fSetAccessWindow = (loX <> 0)
End

End Function

[SteveH2508]

What Operating System is being used? Is it 64-bit?

[RuralGuy]

If you are curious, here is where that code came from: http://www.mvps.org/access/api/api0019.htm
...although it does not appear to give credit to the author. Notice the warning at the beginning of the linked page.

[RuralGuy]

Is this application written with the main Access window hidden?