locked out

[Guest]

Hi

I have created a database from an old secured databse by importing tables,
forms, queries, etc and that I managed with no problem. The problem arose
when I tried to secure this database. I used the security wizard to create a
new user. Now I cannot use the username and password I created to open this
database and I cannot even open a blank database because I get a login
window, the password and user name I have is said to be invalid! Surprising I
can open my old database from the shortcut on my desktop but if I go into the
folder I cannot open it.

Please help.

 

[Joan Wild]

Hi

I have created a database from an old secured databse by importing
tables, forms, queries, etc and that I managed with no problem.

If you managed that while joined to the standard system.mdw, then the old
database wasn't secured properly.

The
problem arose when I tried to secure this database. I used the
security wizard to create a new user. Now I cannot use the username
and password I created to open this database and I cannot even open a
blank database because I get a login window, the password and user
name I have is said to be invalid! Surprising I can open my old
database from the shortcut on my desktop but if I go into the folder
I cannot open it.

What version of Access? You might be confusing the PID with a password.
Try logging in with a blank password.

You get a login window, because you are joined by default to your secure
mdw - it will use this default until you change it (or use a desktop
shortcut that overrides it).

 

[Guest]

I am using Access 2000 and I have tried using a blank password but it is
still invalid. I want to delete this new database and start all over but
Access will not even give me that opportunity because it needs a password. I
have opened access, Tools, Security, Workgroup Administrator shows that I am
currently joined in the ( C:\Documents and Settings\...\Access\System.mdw. Is
there something I am missing here?

 

[Joan Wild]

Access 2000 doesn't have Tools, security, workgroup administrator, so are
you sure you are using 2000 (or maybe the mdb is just in 2000 format). Go
to Help, About - that'll confirm the version.

If it shows system.mdw as the default, and you are not using a desktop
shortcut to start the database, then you have modified the standard
workgroup that ships with Access.

Check in the folder where the mdb is located. There may be a file with the
same name, but a bak extension. If you see this, then you can delete the
mdb, and rename the bak to have a mdb extension - this will be a backup of
the mdb that the wizard created before it secured your database.

Do a search (Start, search) on your computer for *.mdw. Rename each of
these (stick a number on the end of the name). Open Access - it should
create a new pristine system.mdw for you. Now see if you can open the
renamed mdb.

If you want to implement security, I suggest you read up on it first, and
practice on a copy of your database. If you really are using 2000, you
should know that the wizard is flawed; you'd need to secure it manually.
Some resources:Security FAQ
http://support.microsoft.com/?id=207793

Security Whitepaper
http://support.microsoft.com/?id=148555

Although the whitepaper is old, it contains information to help you
understand security.

I've also outlined the detailed steps at
www.jmwild.com/AccessSecurity.htm

 

[Guest]

You are right I am using Access 2003, the mdb is the one in 2000 format.

If it shows system.mdw as the default, and you are not using a desktop
shortcut to start the database, then you have modified the standard
workgroup that ships with Access.

Is there a way for me to change this?

I have renamed the bak extension as well as all the *.mdw, but I'm still
being asked to log in and this is still invalid.

 

[Keith Wilby]

You are right I am using Access 2003, the mdb is the one in 2000 format.


Is there a way for me to change this?

PMFJI. Rename the modified system.mdw then restart Access. Access will
create a new "clean" system.mdw if it can't find one on startup.

Regards,
Keith.

 

[Guest]

:
Do a search (Start, search) on your computer for *.mdw. Rename each of
these (stick a number on the end of the name). Open Access - it should
create a new pristine system.mdw for you. Now see if you can open the
renamed mdb...

I thought when I renamed all the *.mdw files I also renamed the system.mdw.
Is there something I am missing?

Doreen

 

[Joan Wild]

You are right I am using Access 2003, the mdb is the one in 2000
format.


Is there a way for me to change this?

Yes you need to start over. Since you used 2003, it created a backup of
your database before you secured it.

I have renamed the bak extension as well as all the *.mdw, but I'm
still being asked to log in and this is still invalid.

That sounds as though you didn't find all the mdw files. When you do the
search, be sure you include system and hidden folders.

Also you need to Open Access, and then the renamed bak file (don't use any
desktop shortcut - in fact you can delete the desktop shortcut(s))

Here's another suggestion. Open Access (no database) and go to Tools,
Security, Workgroup Administrator - that will tell you the default mdw. - go
and rename that one and then open Access and your renamed bak file.

 

[Guest]

Here's another suggestion. Open Access (no database) and go to Tools,

Security, Workgroup Administrator - that will tell you the default mdw. - go
and rename that one and then open Access and your renamed bak file.

This worked out just fine. Thank you Joan. I will definitely read more on
security before implementing it. Hopefully I will not be back here soon.