How can I make a linked table read-only

[Paul Schrum]

I have an XL file linked as a table to my Access file. I want to make
the table read-only, but can't figure out how to do it. Can anyone
advise me on this?

More Info:
I can not make the XL file itself read-only in the file system.
Others may want to make changes to it. I don't want to import the
data -- I want to keep it as a link. I am really wanting to make sure
no one makes any changes to the data from within the Access file.

Thanks.

- Paul Schrum

 

[Jason Lepack]

I've never been able to change data in a linked spreadsheet.

 

[Paul Schrum]

Jason,

I'm sorry to hear that. I just tested it out to be sure I can, and I
could.

- Paul

 

[Niniel]

Really? I just did it, all it takes is writing in a cell.

As for your problem, Paul, what exactly are you trying to do there? I don't
think you can make the linked table read-only in Access - unless, maybe, you
implement Access security - but you should be able to prohibit editing in the
form that's displaying the data from the linked table, if that's how you are
presenting the data.
The linked table can also be hidden, but of course there are ways around
that.

 

[Rick Brandt]

Jason,

I'm sorry to hear that. I just tested it out to be sure I can, and I
could.

If you have a newer version of Access and apply the latest patches that
capability will be gone. Microsoft lost a lawsuit and was forced to remove that
ability.

 

['69 Camaro]

Hi, Paul.

I have an XL file linked as a table to my Access file. I want to make
the table read-only

That's easy if you have Access 2002, 2003, or 2007. Please see the
following Web page for more information on the service pack or update that
you need to install on your computer to bring it up to date and remove this
capability from all of your databases:

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/904953/

HTH.
Gunny

See http://www.QBuilt.com for all your database needs.
See http://www.Access.QBuilt.com for Microsoft Access tips and tutorials.
Blogs: www.DataDevilDog.BlogSpot.com, www.DatabaseTips.BlogSpot.com
http://www.Access.QBuilt.com/html/expert_contributors2.html for contact
info.

 

[Jason Lepack]

I knew I wasn't crazy, and that there had to be a reason.

 

[Niniel]

Ah, ok, I have A2000.

Hi, Paul.


That's easy if you have Access 2002, 2003, or 2007. Please see the
following Web page for more information on the service pack or update that
you need to install on your computer to bring it up to date and remove this
capability from all of your databases:

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/904953/

HTH.
Gunny

See http://www.QBuilt.com for all your database needs.
See http://www.Access.QBuilt.com for Microsoft Access tips and tutorials.
Blogs: www.DataDevilDog.BlogSpot.com, www.DatabaseTips.BlogSpot.com
http://www.Access.QBuilt.com/html/expert_contributors2.html for contact
info.

 

[Paul Schrum]

Really? I just did it, all it takes is writing in a cell.

As for your problem, Paul, what exactly are you trying to do there? I don't
think you can make the linked table read-only in Access - unless, maybe, you
implement Access security - but you should be able to prohibit editing in the
form that's displaying the data from the linked table, if that's how you are
presenting the data.

Niniel,

In an older version of Access, I am trying to find a way (through
Properties or something) to do exactly what Rick Brandt says Access
does now (by decree). This is a quickie database -- no Switchboard,
sometimes no forms, editing directly in tables often. I am wanting to
prevent someone from inadvertantly editing the XL file from Access for
a linked table that is intended to be only for reference and
comparison.

I may be the only person who uses this .mdb file, and if so, I will
know not to make edits. But I do not know for sure that someone else
will never use it, and then they may make changes that are ill-
advised.

- Paul

 

[Paul Schrum]

Thanks for the link. And thanks too to Rick Brandt. It is good to
get an understanding of this situation.

- Paul