Creating test environment, changing linked table to different file and path

[Gdareos]

I just started a new job with Access '97 as the platform

I would like to create a test environment so I can develop reports,
etc. on my hard drive. The production version is on a network. All the
tables are 'linked tables' and refer to paths and files on the
network. Simply copying the application does no good since I cannot
figure out how to change the paths that the MDB looks for.

Any pointers on how to create a test environment would be greatly
appreciated in Access '97 (hope to convince them to upgrade, but
management sees this as prohibitive since we're getting an Oracle
solution sometime "soon. "

Thanks,
George

 

[Albert D. Kallal]

The production version is on a network. All the
tables are 'linked tables' and refer to paths and files on the
network. Simply copying the application does no good since I cannot
figure out how to change the paths that the MDB looks for.

Virtually any seasoned access developer will use the linked table manager on
a daily bases. (I suspect your new to the ms access development process).
Keep in mind it is the very fact that you can link to different back end
locations is what enables you to develop off site, or work on a copy of your
data + application part. I is also assumed that in this case that each
individual users WorkStation has a copy of the front and.

Any pointers on how to create a test environment would be greatly
appreciated in Access '97 (hope to convince them to upgrade, but
management sees this as prohibitive since we're getting an Oracle
solution sometime "soon. "

I explain the whole process of table linking in the following article of
mine:
http://www.members.shaw.ca/AlbertKallal/Articles/split/index.htm

I suggest you read the above article, As it also explains how you're going
to modify the table structures, and even add new tables with respect to
having the linked system. As mentioned, using linked Tables has some
ratifications, but it's really what any developer will use on a daily basis.

I should point out one thing that's important in access 97 (a very old
edition now), the above instructions on how to get to the table linked table
manager is **different**.

In access 97, I believe the menu option to get to the linked table manager
is found under the tools->add ins menu. The downfall of this old version of
access means that if you did NOT install some of the add-ins, then you'll
not find the linked table manager under the tools->ad in. I suppose I should
point out at this time that the newer versions of MS access *include* the
linked table manager as part of the application, and not in the ad-in menu
as it is for a97. Thus the only change the instructions of the above article
is that you find the linked table manager under tools->add-in, and not under
tools->database utilities as mentioned in the above article.

 

[Gdareos]

WOW! This is great. I think I understand how my front end would work
at work so that I can modify reports, forms, etc. without having to
lock out users (very difficult to get everyone off during the business
day).

However, creating a stand-alone test environment looks more
difficult.

Thanks for the tip about the "add in" vs. the built-in Linked Table
Manager. I hate having to use Access '97, but jobs are hard to find
right now, so I'm stuck. I've been in my position for about 2 weeks
now, and so I'm floundering a bit, as my last job was considerably
easier and I had some help.

Thanks very much, and Happy Easter!

I will thoroughly read the link you were kind enough to supply.

George