How can I open a secured database?

[BabylonMike]

Hi,

I hope that someone can help me to open my database. Let me explain...

I have a database that was created for us by a company a long time ago. The
data is accessed via an application executable which then presents the data
and opens reports, etc. I can see the data when I open the application and
submit my username and password, but I need to open the database using the
Access GUI so that I can develop a new front-end application, but I can not
find a way to do this and need some help.

The database is secured with a workgroup file. I have created a shortcut as
follows:
"C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\Office\MSACCESS.EXE"
"C:\Databases\Data.mdb" /WRKGRP "C:\Databases\Security.mdw"
When I use this shortcut, I am asked for a username and password, so I use
the name and password that works when I run the application, but it doesn’t
let me in to the database. I do not get an error message, but am just told
that the username and password is invalid, however it is the same username
and password that I use to open the application front-end, so I know it is
working and correct.

It seems as though the database has some kind of switch set that won't allow
access unless it is through the front-end application.

If I try to import the tables into another database, it doesn't ask me for a
username or password and just gives me a message saying that I do not have
the necessary permissions to open the database.

I have been through the Microsoft Security FAQ, but have not found a
solution to my problem. I don’t think it is a bug or corruption, but think
that perhaps there has been something set within the database that will not
allow me to open it through the Access GUI, but if that is the case, there
has to be a way to bypass it, otherwise the development team would have
locked themselves out.

I will be so grateful if someone can help me to open the database.

Michael

 

[Tom van Stiphout]

On Tue, 13 Apr 2010 04:24:01 -0700, BabylonMike

It is certainly possible for a company to write a starter app that
takes a u/pw, turn that around some way, and use a different u/pw to
login to the Access db.
Did you ask the company for assistance? It seems like you've
discovered that they essentially locked you out of your data, which is
a no-no in most jurisdictions.

-Tom.
Microsoft Access MVP

 

[Keith Wilby]

Hi,

I hope that someone can help me to open my database.  Let me explain...

I have a database that was created for us by a company a long time ago.  The
data is accessed via an application executable which then presents the data
and opens reports, etc.  I can see the data when I open the applicationand
submit my username and password, but I need to open the database using the
Access GUI so that I can develop a new front-end application, but I can not
find a way to do this and need some help.

The database is secured with a workgroup file.  I have created a shortcut as
follows:
"C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\Office\MSACCESS.EXE"
"C:\Databases\Data.mdb" /WRKGRP "C:\Databases\Security.mdw"
When I use this shortcut, I am asked for a username and password, so I use
the name and password that works when I run the application, but it doesn’t
let me in to the database.  I do not get an error message, but am just told
that the username and password is invalid, however it is the same username
and password that I use to open the application front-end, so I know it is
working and correct.

It seems as though the database has some kind of switch set that won't allow
access unless it is through the front-end application.

If I try to import the tables into another database, it doesn't ask me for a
username or password and just gives me a message saying that I do not have
the necessary permissions to open the database.

I have been through the Microsoft Security FAQ, but have not found a
solution to my problem.  I don’t think it is a bug or corruption, butthink
that perhaps there has been something set within the database that will not
allow me to open it through the Access GUI, but if that is the case, there
has to be a way to bypass it, otherwise the development team would have
locked themselves out.

I will be so grateful if someone can help me to open the database.

Michael

Contact the company that developed the app and ask them for the admin
username and password.

Keith.
www.keithwilby.co.uk

 

[Stewart Berman]

Before you start hacking into the database you should check the language of
the agreement that covered the development of the application and database.
Was it a work for hire where your company owns to the code in the
application and database or is at least entitled to the code? If so, the
application code should have been delivered along with the database.

OTOH, if the agreement is simply a license to use the application and
database without any ownership rights or access to code then you have to go
back to the company that licensed it to your company and have them make the
changes or purchase a code license.