Linked Tables - How can I modify?

[Rob]

Hi all,

I have been asked to look at a database at work that uses linked tables. I
need to add a field to one of the tables, however when I attempt to open the
"table db", I am hit with a message (from the original designer) saying that
the db is designed to be used by the front end only.

Will I have to add the field programatically, or is there a way that I can
open the "table db" to modify the tables directly? The db is in Access97
(we still havent gone over yet - later this year apparently?).

Any help (or comment) anyone can provide would be appreciated. The original
designer has moved on and based on lack of normalisation, I do not think had
a great deal of database training,

Cheers
Rob

 

[Rick Brandt]

Hi all,

I have been asked to look at a database at work that uses linked tables. I
need to add a field to one of the tables, however when I attempt to open the
"table db", I am hit with a message (from the original designer) saying that
the db is designed to be used by the front end only.[snip]

Have you tried holding the shift key when you open the file?

 

[Randy Wayne]

The modification (adding a field) to the table must be done through the
backend of the database.

First, you must have permission to access the database (server, folder,
etc.), which I assume you should have if "they" are asking you to work on the
database.

You can find the backend location by going to the "Linked table Manager".
This is located in the Tools--Database Utilities menu on Access 2000 and 2003
- I don't know the location in Access 97. There you will find the "path" to
the backend. From there, you can access the backend directly to alter the
table design/structure.

WARNING: Always think twice about altering tables. You can create
unforeseen problems if you are not careful. Additionally, if the form is
tied to a query, instead of the table, you may need to update the query too.

Let me know if this helps.

Randy

 

[Rob]

Hi Randy,

I have access to the backend, however when opening I am presented with
(maybe an OnOpen macro) message box that reminds me to do all the
modifications through the front end application, then closes.

I suppose the question would be is there a way of opening the backend,
shortcutting this feature. The linked table manager is not installed into
our image at work (I have already tried this based on info in my Access97
Developers Handbook Getz/Gilbert/Litwin).

Cheers
Rob

 

[Rick Brandt]

Hi Randy,

I have access to the backend, however when opening I am presented with
(maybe an OnOpen macro) message box that reminds me to do all the
modifications through the front end application, then closes.

I suppose the question would be is there a way of opening the backend,
shortcutting this feature.

Hold shift while opening the file.