combining different databases into 1 large with switch

[Angela]

Hello:

I have not used access in ages and I have 2007 installed in my computer. I
have checked in the microsoft templetes and there are 4 different templates
I want combined into 1 database then I want to add a switchboard for easy of
use. Is there an easy way to do this.

the templetes are:

"Home inventory"
http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/t...tegoryID=CT101428511033&av=ZAC000&WT.mc_id=42

"Book collection database"
http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/t...33.aspx?CategoryID=CT102144001033&WT.mc_id=42


"Music collection database"
http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/t...33.aspx?CategoryID=CT102144001033&WT.mc_id=42


Thanks,
Angela

 

[Klatuu]

No reason you can't do it, but you will most likely have to modify some
things in one or more of the templates. There could be objects in the
different databases with the same name, for example. If you put both in the
same mdb, you will get an error. If that happens, you have to rename one of
the objects and you have find a replace every reference to that name in the
mdb.

If the mdbs you want to use don't have to share the same data, an easier way
may be to create your own front end mdb that is nothing more than a
switchboard for you to select an application. Then when the user selects a
module, open it and quit the main switchboard.

 

[Angela]

So in creating a front end you mean create a blank db and link my switchboard
to the other database?

 

[Barry A&P]

Angela

This is deffinately not an "Expert Answer" but ive done it. and you learn a
lot about how the databases work. Make some notes on paper table names field
names report names query names Ect for each database. also spend a little
time in the "object dependencies" window to see how much stuff is affected by
a table or query ect.
Microsoft templates typically do a great job at naming conventions and
standardized tables. Determine wich database has the most information or is
the most complex and call it your Main database.
start copying and pasting all of the Tables queries forms and reports that
dont allready exist info to that "Main" database. Then the hard part. the
macros and code. most of the code should transfer with the forms. but check
out the Macros and see if there is any procedures ect that need to be copied
to the Main database.

Remember if you allready have data in the tables BACK THEM UP you can always
start over..

Sorry i dont have the quick easy on this..

 

[Angela]

Thank you all for your replies. I will try and experiment to see what I am
compbine.

 

[Klatuu]

Exactly. So when you select a module from your "switchboard" application,
it would open the other mdb.
Now, this may not be the most elegant approach, but certainly the quickest
and easiest. The main downside would be if there are any reporting
requirements that would need to combine the data from the different modules.

But, even that would not stop using such an approach. That is because it is
possible for a front end to link to multiple back ends. You could just link
to the multiple applications' back ends and write your custom reports in
your main front end.