Original database file will not open

[Debbie S.]

I created a database and stored it in a folder on my c drive. I then used the
database utility function in access to split the database, and then I created
a backup. At some point I moved all three of these files--the original (we'll
call it database y.mdb), the backup (database y_datebackupfilecreated.mdb),
and the back end (databasey_be.mdb)--into a new folder, still on my c drive.
Now for some reason when I open the file called database y.mdb, I get a
message that says the path is not valid. The path quoted in the message is
the OLD folder name; and, if I click okay on the message, I can see in the
database window that the tables in database y.mdb are the split ones that
have the arrows by them. Why won't the file open, and why does the original
file I created store the split tables? I thought the whole point of splitting
was to create a file that is based on the original that will not allow users
to mess with the tables. Why does the original file have the split tables?
I'm confused. Can someone please help me clear this up.

Many Thanks,
Debbie

 

[Rob Bunocore]

I created a database and stored it in a folder on my c drive. I then used the
database utility function in access to split the database, and then I created
a backup. At some point I moved all three of these files--the original (we'll
call it database y.mdb), the backup (database y_datebackupfilecreated.mdb),
and the back end (databasey_be.mdb)--into a new folder, still on my c drive.
Now for some reason when I open the file called database y.mdb, I get a
message that says the path is not valid. The path quoted in the message is
the OLD folder name; and, if I click okay on the message, I can see in the
database window that the tables in database y.mdb are the split ones that
have the arrows by them. Why won't the file open, and why does the original
file I created store the split tables? I thought the whole point of splitting
was to create a file that is based on the original that will not allow users
to mess with the tables. Why does the original file have the split tables?
I'm confused. Can someone please help me clear this up.

Many Thanks,
Debbie

Debbie:

Why you split the database, it stores links to where the tables are.
That's what the little arrow next to the table names means. It should
show you your path to that linked table, which I believe you said it
is doing. This link is not updated automatically if you move the
database that stores the actual tables to a different location. You
need to run the linked table manager in order to direct the y.mdb
database to where you moved the databasey_be.mdb.

If you are working in Access 2003 or earlier, you can get to the
linked table manager a number of ways but try this one:click on the
Tools menu, then Database Utilities then Linked Table Manager. Click
the select all tables and check the box that says "Always prompt for a
new location" When prompted, browse to where you placed the
databasey_be.mdb and click ok. It should relink all your tables. I'm
writing this from memory so forgive me if I skipped a step.

Also, just an FYI. Splitting your database in this fashion does not
keep users from messing with the tables. Users can still open the
linked tables just as if they were local tables. If you want to keep
the users from seeing these, you will need to either make all the
links hidden or use your Startup options to not display the Database
window.

Hope this helped.

Robby

 

[Debbie S.]

Thank you, I appreciate your help!

Debbie:

Why you split the database, it stores links to where the tables are.
That's what the little arrow next to the table names means. It should
show you your path to that linked table, which I believe you said it
is doing. This link is not updated automatically if you move the
database that stores the actual tables to a different location. You
need to run the linked table manager in order to direct the y.mdb
database to where you moved the databasey_be.mdb.

If you are working in Access 2003 or earlier, you can get to the
linked table manager a number of ways but try this one:click on the
Tools menu, then Database Utilities then Linked Table Manager. Click
the select all tables and check the box that says "Always prompt for a
new location" When prompted, browse to where you placed the
databasey_be.mdb and click ok. It should relink all your tables. I'm
writing this from memory so forgive me if I skipped a step.

Also, just an FYI. Splitting your database in this fashion does not
keep users from messing with the tables. Users can still open the
linked tables just as if they were local tables. If you want to keep
the users from seeing these, you will need to either make all the
links hidden or use your Startup options to not display the Database
window.

Hope this helped.

Robby