How do I change a replicated an access database back to normal?

[Guest]

I replicated my database not knowing what I was doing and I'd like to change
it back. I don't believe this is possible, but can I export my data to new
database without the additions of the replicated version?

Just curious...what is the benefit of replication in Access??

Thanks,

 

[Joan Wild]

I replicated my database not knowing what I was doing and I'd like to
change it back. I don't believe this is possible, but can I export my
data to new database without the additions of the replicated version?

Just curious...what is the benefit of replication in Access??

You don't mention the version, but there are replica-to-regular tools
available. Replication is meant for data only (tables), not for other
objects. It is mainly used by users who are not always connected to the
office database, but need to modify data while disconnected (think sales
people). Once they reconnect, data changes are synchronized among replicas.

 

[Guest]

We are using version 2000 SR-1 Professional.

When I did the replication I just clicked create replica and it did
everything for me. I am not sure if it only replicated the tables and not the
other objects (such as forms and reports).

3 questions:
1- what is the process for dispursing the replica for others to take home
and then sync back up at the office? We currently have only one PC with the
database installed and it would be nice to be able to give a user a copy
(replica) to take home. Then I would need to know what to do to sync it back
up so that the main version (master copy?) included their changes.

2-Is there any way to create backups of the database? If so HOW, and is
there any way to automate this process so that it runs at 5pm every night?

3-Is there anyway to change the autonumber format? Prior to replication I
had sequential numbering, but now I have random numbers that also include
negative numbers which I don't want.

I know I have a lot of questions but I have never used this feature before.

Thanks so much for your help!

 

[Joan Wild]

We are using version 2000 SR-1 Professional.

You should update with the latest service releases and updates.

When I did the replication I just clicked create replica and it did
everything for me. I am not sure if it only replicated the tables and
not the other objects (such as forms and reports).

No it didn't. It replicated your whole database. You should have split
your database and replicated just the backend (tables). You do not want to
leave it as is.

3 questions:
1- what is the process for dispursing the replica for others to take
home and then sync back up at the office? We currently have only one
PC with the database installed and it would be nice to be able to
give a user a copy (replica) to take home. Then I would need to know
what to do to sync it back up so that the main version (master copy?)
included their changes.

Again, split the database and put the backend on the server. Give each user
a copy of the frontend. Replicate just the backend. A replica of the
backend would be on the laptop that a user takes home. When you say 'take
home', you need to understand that they *cannot* just copy the replica to
some media and take it home - that's not how replication works.

You should study up on replication before you go any further. There is much
more to it than just clicking 'create replica'.

http://support.microsoft.com/?id=190766 - white paper
http://support.microsoft.com/?id=282977 - FAQ

Also see
www.trigeminal.com - excellent replication site
http://support.microsoft.com/support/access/content/repl/replication.asp

2-Is there any way to create backups of the database? If so HOW, and
is there any way to automate this process so that it runs at 5pm
every night?

No there isn't, and if you think about it, each replica is a recent backup
(providing you aren't doing partial replicas).

3-Is there anyway to change the autonumber format? Prior to
replication I had sequential numbering, but now I have random numbers
that also include negative numbers which I don't want.

No, that's partly how replication works; you can't change that behaviour.

I know I have a lot of questions but I have never used this feature
before.

If you have further questions, I'd suggest you ask in the
microsoft.public.access.replication group.

 

[Guest]

Thanks for your help Joan. One last thing, if I am not interested in having
this database operate in the replication format what is my other alternative
to moving my data to another unreplicated format? I think I read somewhere
that I would have to copy the tables in import into a new database. There was
some additional directions that I did not fully understand.

Can you please direct me to the directions to do this? It sounds like the
replication will be too cumbersome for someone who is not familiar with it.

Thanks,

 

[Joan Wild]

Thanks for your help Joan. One last thing, if I am not interested in
having this database operate in the replication format what is my
other alternative to moving my data to another unreplicated format?

If you want to turn your repliced database into a regular database, there
are step-by-step instructions in Help - type replica to regular in the
search box and you'll see the item.

Can you please direct me to the directions to do this? It sounds like
the replication will be too cumbersome for someone who is not
familiar with it.

It certainly isn't a trivial undertaking. If you want users to be able to
access the database off-site, you could consider Terminal Services, or
possibly PC Anywhere. Some more thoughts on this at
http://www.members.shaw.ca/AlbertKallal/Wan/Wans.html