Is there a way to keep a database from being copied?

[jacqueline]

I have a client who has an Access 2000 database stored on a lab
computer...there are ~ 5 users of that database.

He wants to know if there is a way to keep users from making a copy of the
database...I've never heard of being able to restrict copying and pasting or
copying to a disc, etc..

We have a server where a lot of other databases are kept...would placing it
here make a difference?

 

[Immanuel Sibero]

Hi Jacqueline


AFAIK, no, but maybe another person can chime in.

Access requires all users to have full access rights to the physical
database (.mdb) file itself. This requirement allows any user to copy the
database file.

You could split the database into FrontEnd and BackEnd, and have the BackEnd
(.mdb containing the data) reside on a shared folder, and then link the
FrontEnd using UNC. This setup will "hide" the database file somewhat, but a
determined and reasonably knowledgeable user would able to figure out the
location of the database.

To achieve the security you mentioned would require a client server setup
such as MSSql or MySql, etc.


HTH,
Immanuel Sibero.