How can I use two copies of the same database?

[Knownoversight]

Hi,
I'm using a simple database I originally wrote in Access 2003, but have
since converted to Access 2007.

I use the database to keep a tally on my clients details, however I'd like
to be able to copy this database to my laptop so I can input new customer
details when I do a site visit, then copy it back to my upon my return, and
here's my problem.

When I tried to copy the database to my laptop (also running Access 2007) it
gives me the following error - 'The Microsoft Office Access databse entine
stopped the process because you and another user are attempting to change the
same data at the same time.'

I'm not using any sort of network, I just have a USB harddrive I use to copy
documents and the like from my laptop to my computer.

I've tried saving the database as various different versions of Access to
see if it was something perculiar with Access 2007, but I'm getting a similar
error regardless. I've tried to keep a central copy of the database on my USB
harddrive and use it as a central database, but it's not worked either.

The database is set to 'Shared' and always has been..
If anyone can help I'd appreciate it.

 

[Jerry Whittle]

In a word: Replication. Check it out in help.

It is possible to use two versions of the same database IF you are very
careful not to enter different records in each version. For example you put
changes into the laptop version but forget to transfer it before entering new
records in the PC version. Replication would take synchronize the two
different database files.

You could just put the database ONLY on a flash drive. Just be sure to make
frequent backups as you don't know when you will lose, break, or wash it!

 

[Knownoversight]

Thanks Jerry for your help, replication makes perfect sense (I've only ever
really used databases on servers up till now).

However, this has highlighted another little hic-cup, I've replicated my
database, copied it on to my laptop, but when I open the database on my
laptop it's blank.
I think this may be due to me converting the database to Access 2003. So
I've tried to convert the database back to Access 2007 but it won't let me,
it just tells me the database is already open by me and that I should try
again when the database is available..

Any ideas??...