Locked out of dbase

[Rick B]

I'm sorry, you have lost me.

If you can join the default SYSTEM.mdw that ships with Access and gain full
access to the database, then it is not secured. If you are able to delete
all the MDW files (back them up first) and then open Access, it will create
a brand new fresh system.mdw file. If you can get into your database with
that file, then you are all set. The database is totally not secured in any
way.

Once you have accomplished that, you would need to go through EACH AND EVERY
step in the security FAQ IN ORDER! Doing so is the only sure way to secure
your database.

Security FAQ:

http://support.microsoft.com/?id=207793

 

[Guest]

Rick, you rock! I'm back in! Yeah!

I deleted the mdws like you suggested, then opened the database (while
logged into Windows under my own name) and it worked. I didn't join anything.
All I did was delete.

Ok, now that I'm in, I guess I have to go through the security properly. My
question is what happens to the other users? I don't really understand
what's happened exactly. Will they still be able to get in to the database
(let's say from the shortcuts on their desktops), or will they only be able
to get in after I go through the security again?

 

[Rick B]

Your database was never secured. They should be able to get in just fine.
As a matter of fact, ANYONE can get in if they have a default SYSTEM.mdw
workgroup.

MAke a backup before you go any further.

Good Luck,

 

[Joan Wild]

Rick, you rock! I'm back in! Yeah!

I deleted the mdws like you suggested, then opened the database (while
logged into Windows under my own name) and it worked. I didn't join
anything.
All I did was delete.

Ok, now that I'm in, I guess I have to go through the security properly.
My
question is what happens to the other users? I don't really understand
what's happened exactly. Will they still be able to get in to the database
(let's say from the shortcuts on their desktops), or will they only be
able
to get in after I go through the security again?

I would suggest at this point, that you open Access, create a new database
and import everything from your old database, to be sure that you are really
back to square one. Just because you can get in, doesn't mean everything is
OK.

Once you have created the new mdb and imported everything, BACK IT UP!!

Read the references you have been given, and then, ON A COPY of your
database, try implementing security. When things go wrong, and they will,
return to the original and start again, always on a copy. Security is not
easy to learn, but once you get it, then implement on your production
database.

 

[Guest]

Joan,

Thanks for the advice. Is there anywhere on the net that I can get
instructions on how to export/import my database. I really don't know access
all that well. Everything I know to this point has been self taught.

This started as a simple project almost 8 months ago. Now I've invested a
lot of time and work into this, and really don't want to mess it up. Any
info would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks again.

 

[Joan Wild]

It's very simple.

Open Access. Click on File, New and choose Blank Database. Choose the
location and name for this database.

Go to File, Get External Data, Import.
Navigate to your old mdb.
In the import dialog select all objects.
Click on Advanced (or Options), and select Import/Export Specs, and
Menus/Toolbars.
Click on OK.