access 97 with office 2007

[Advance Scout]

I am currently using Access 97- If I install Office 2007 will I be able
to use my Access 97 application with access 2007. Or can I just use my
old application with my old Access 97 on the same PC that has Office 2007?

 

[Allen Browne]

Just like Access 2000, 2002 and 2003, Access 2007 cannot modify an Access 97
MDB file. You need to convert it to at least a 2000 version MDB to develop
it further in Access 2007.

And naturally enough, Access 97 cannot use the 2000-version MDB file.

You can use both A97 and A2007 on the same computer, provided you do a
custom install. (The default install removes previous versions.) The main
reason for wanting to do that would be if you were a developer who still has
to support software writting in A97 for users who only have the old version.

If you are considering converting your A97 MDB files to a later version,
this may be useful:
Converting from Access 97 to 2000 and later
at:
http://allenbrowne.com/ser-48.html

If you are considering going straight to A2007, see:
Converting to Access 2007
at:
http://allenbrowne.com/Access2007.html

 

[Guest]

Just a follow up on this question, I am running A2003 and A2007 on the same
computer with WXP Pro. Setup runs when I open A2007 for the first time after
runnning A2003 and vice versa. Any suggestions or is this for another
newsgroup?

Thanks

 

[Douglas J. Steele]

Unfortunately, it's a known annoyance that you can't do anything about.

My understanding is that the architecture of Office 2007 is quite different
than it was for previous versions, and that's what causes the
reinstall/setup message.

I've heard they're going to improve (but not eliminate) the situation in the
first Office 2007 Service Pack, but I haven't heard any date for when that
will be released.

I know of many developers who are using Virtual PC or VM Ware to avoid the
delays.

 

[Rick Brandt]

Just a follow up on this question, I am running A2003 and A2007 on
the same computer with WXP Pro. Setup runs when I open A2007 for the
first time after runnning A2003 and vice versa. Any suggestions or is
this for another newsgroup?

The whole Access development community has been complaining loudly about
this. Hopes lie in future service packs, but so far we just wait.

 

[Guest]

Thank you both, gentlemen. Here I thought I was suffering alone, but feel so
much better now!

Virtual PC is a suggestion I've heard before, but I think I will live with
the setup message it for now and look forward to the service pack.

Also, with Runtime 2007 so easily and freely availble I am talking to
clients about upgarding their applications to A2007. All the advantages and
some new features of 2007 for the developer and the Ribbon which I find to be
an excellent navigation tool are enough reason to upgrade.

Hopefuly, A2004 will soon be in the past for me.

Thanks again.