Software Development Across Different Platforms

[John Reichard]

I'm developing an Access database that will be
distributed to users that could fall into the following
categories:

1. Do not have a version of Access
2. Have Access 97
3. Have Access 2000
4. Have Access 2002
5. Have Access 2003

My question is this...how can I create one single
database that all of the above users can use? I have the
Developer's Edition of Access 97 and I have Access 2000.
I've heard that there are issues with installing the
runtime version of Access (97 or 2000) when the full
version is also present on a user's computer. I'd rather
not have to create different versions for every
scenario. I think there may be installation software
programs that will automatically detect what version, if
any, a user has installed on their computer and install
the proper database to match what they have, but that
would still require me to create different versions. If
I can't do what I want to do, should I just pick one
version and limit the number of users to those who match
the version that I create? If so, which version do you
think I should create it in to reach the most number of
users? Thank you for your assistance.

 

[Ray]

Hey John
Go to http://sagekey.com/
they have what you need

 

[Guest]

Ray

Thanks. I checked out their website, but I'm not sure
exactly how they can help me. Also, I'm just starting
out...and if I have to pay over $400 to do what I need to
do, that's just too much for me to spend at this point.
Isn't there anything else out there? I don't think I
need installation software (I have already found an
adequate installation program that works). I need to
figure out a way to create just one Access database
version and have it work on anyone's computer. Thanks.

 

[John Reichard]

Ray

Thanks. I checked out their website, but I'm not sure
exactly how they can help me. Also, I'm just starting
out...and if I have to pay over $400 to do what I need to
do, that's just too much for me to spend at this point.
Isn't there anything else out there? I don't think I
need installation software (I have already found an
adequate installation program that works). I need to
figure out a way to create just one Access database
version and have it work on anyone's computer. Thanks.

 

[Tom Wickerath]

Hi John,

It looks to me like you are going to have to go with the lowest common denominator, Access 97. I
would try distributing the database split into a front-end (FE) .MDE and back-end (BE) .MDB
databases. Your Access 2000, 2002 and 2003 users should be able to open the Access 97 .MDE
front-end without any problem, and without being prompted if they want to convert it (since it is
a .MDE file).

I've heard that there are issues with installing the
runtime version of Access (97 or 2000) when the full
version is also present on a user's computer.

I've heard the same thing, but I don't know enough about the issues. You mentioned in your
follow-up that you have an adequate installation program. Can you include any code that checks
for the existence of registry keys? If so, you can probably detect whether or not Access is
installed. If not, then install the necessary run-time.

Tom

________________________________


Ray

Thanks. I checked out their website, but I'm not sure
exactly how they can help me. Also, I'm just starting
out...and if I have to pay over $400 to do what I need to
do, that's just too much for me to spend at this point.
Isn't there anything else out there? I don't think I
need installation software (I have already found an
adequate installation program that works). I need to
figure out a way to create just one Access database
version and have it work on anyone's computer. Thanks.
________________________________


Hey John
Go to http://sagekey.com/
they have what you need
________________________________


I'm developing an Access database that will be
distributed to users that could fall into the following
categories:

1. Do not have a version of Access
2. Have Access 97
3. Have Access 2000
4. Have Access 2002
5. Have Access 2003

My question is this...how can I create one single
database that all of the above users can use? I have the
Developer's Edition of Access 97 and I have Access 2000.
I've heard that there are issues with installing the
runtime version of Access (97 or 2000) when the full
version is also present on a user's computer. I'd rather
not have to create different versions for every
scenario. I think there may be installation software
programs that will automatically detect what version, if
any, a user has installed on their computer and install
the proper database to match what they have, but that
would still require me to create different versions. If
I can't do what I want to do, should I just pick one
version and limit the number of users to those who match
the version that I create? If so, which version do you
think I should create it in to reach the most number of
users? Thank you for your assistance.

 

[Tony Toews]

I've heard that there are issues with installing the
runtime version of Access (97 or 2000) when the full
version is also present on a user's computer.

It's more along the lines of issues when you install A97 runtime on an
A2000 system and vice verso.

See my Microsoft Access ODE or MOD Runtime Installation Troubles Tips
page at http://www.granite.ab.ca/access/runtime.htm.

I think there may be installation software
programs that will automatically detect what version, if
any, a user has installed on their computer and install
the proper database to match what they have, but that
would still require me to create different versions.

Setup Switcher is designed to install either Access97, Access2000 or
newer related runtimes depending on what's already on the recipients
system. See http://www.granite.ab.ca/access/setupswitcher.htm.

But you would need to create different versions.

If

I can't do what I want to do, should I just pick one
version and limit the number of users to those who match
the version that I create? If so, which version do you
think I should create it in to reach the most number of
users?

You can easily programmatically convert different versions of Access
from one version. You could use a standard, free installer routine
to copy the appropriate version of Access if they already have Access
installed. By this I mean it creates directories on the target hard
drive,copies the MDB to the hard drive and creates shortcuts. Nothing
fancy.

If they don't have Access installed then they use your Access 97
runtime version. However be prepared for support calls when they
install a newer version of Access on their system.

Tony
--
Tony Toews, Microsoft Access MVP
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