Earlier versions of Access had the SM as an add-in and it was monkey
proof.
2003's SM (approp initials) creates a switchboard items table but no
switchboard form.
Actually, this only happens if you delete the switchbord form.
To get the form to build, I have to exit the whole
database, reopen, and return to the SM to get it to make the form. What a
pain! Surely there must be an easier way!?
The above will NOT create a new switchbord form if it has been deleted.
If you deleted the swtich board, you can import one from antoher mdb file
(pressubalry a back up...but it does not have to be from the same backup -
any existing one will do)).
If you delete both the swetch bard table, and the form..then when you select
the switchbard manager...it will re-create the two for you.
So, your example sounds like someone has/is deleting the switchbord. And,
exitig sm-access..and re-entering will NOT fix this....
On the other hand, the swtich board is really quite a lame solton anyway.
Any self respecting user of ms-access would advoid it unless they have
nohting else to use, or no abilites to create a nice form.
Somthing seems stanges that end users of a appcaiton need to build switch
boards?
For most appcationes, you need to hide the ms-access interace to prevent
users from hurting themsselves, or deleting things. (it sounds like the
swtich board is being deleted for some reason???). You best create the forms
for your users. For example, here is some screen shots of some rperot
screens to make life easy for the usres (note how for each new reptos, the
form desing does NOT NEED to be mofided).
http://www.members.shaw.ca/AlbertKallal/ridesrpt/ridesrpt.html
Furhter, for the main applcation menu, why not consider menus? After all,
every toher appcaiton users are presented with a familaer windows menu
ystems.
Here is some screen shots of ms-access with menus built...you can see they
are MUCH better then using the switchboard
http://www.members.shaw.ca/AlbertKallal/Articles/UseAbility/UserFriendly.htm
At the very least, the above will give you some food for thought.
And, I just did try the a2003 switchboard board thing (never used it in
a2003). And, if you delete the switchboard form..then ms-access will NOT
re-create it unless you also delete the switchboard items table. However, I
did not have to exit..and then re-enter to build the switchboard. I suspect
some startup options (in tools->startup) have been messed with...
So, you can
make sure people are not deleting the switchboard form - check
this problem!!
or, delete the switchboard table..and the switchboard manger
will re-create
the switchboard form for you.
Dump it all together...and use something that will look much better
anyway....
