Network & Split Database

[Joe Gieder]

We have an Access 2000 database that is going on to a
network. I was told that in order for multiple users to
have access to this file it needs to be split by using
the split database feature. Is this true, do we have to
split the database? And why would it need to be split?
Can't we just use it as a single file for mutiple users
to input data? What is the best way to put this file onto
the network? Under the tool option the file is marked as
shared and no locks.

TIA for your help

Joe

 

[Van T. Dinh]

You should always split the database for multiple users:

1. The database file is more likely to get corrupted with multiple users
using a single database.

2. With split database, the application / programming and the user data are
separated. Users can continue to use the database while you modify the GUI
/ add feature on your "Design" copy of the Front-End. Unlike A97 or
earlier, you cannot change the design of Access Objects while other users
are in an A2K database (as in multiple users using an unsplit database).
When you complete the incremental modifications / additions, you can
"publish" the Front-End and (since the data is in a separate mdb) you don't
have to worry about importing / transferring the data.

3. In a split system, the Back-End contains all Tables and resides on a
shared network drive and use should have create / read / write / delete on
the directory (propagating to files). The Front-End contains all other
Access objects and each user should have a copy of the Front-End.

Check Access Help on splitting a database and Tony Toews':

http://www.granite.ab.ca/access/splitapp.htm

 

[Douglas J. Steele]

You'll get better performance and much less chance of corruption if you
split the application into a front-end (containing the queries, forms,
reports, macros and modules) linked to a back-end (containing the tables).
Put the back-end on the server, and give each user his or her own copy of
the front-end, preferably on his or her hard drive.

Take a look at what Tony Toews has at
http://www.granite.ab.ca/access/splitapp.htm for more details.