"You do not have exclusive access to the database" error message

[Kim]

Hi all,

I have a database that others use and I have the problem that I can't
alter certain forms because others have the database open.

Is there a way to bypass this problem? I have been told that holding
the "shift" key down while opening the database gives me access, but
it doesn't seem to work.

FYI... I am only trying to change a form that no one else would be
using so there should be no need to restrict access.

Thanks all

Kim

 

[Access Developer]

Didn't you get an answer to this, earlier, in another newsgroup.

Whether you think there is, or is not, any need to restrict access, Access
versions starting with 2000 require that you have opened with exclusive
access to modify design.

Your question indicates that you have improperly designed/implemented, or
are improperly using, your mulituser database. You should split the
front-end (user interface part: queries, forms, reports, macros, and
modules), and give each user his/her own copy, link to tables in a shared
back-end (tables, relationships, and data) in a shared folder. Modify your
developer's copy, then roll it out the updated copy to users. There's been
a great deal written on this subject in the newsgroups, which can be
searched in the archives at http://groups.google.com, but for a good start,
visit MVP Tony Toew's site at http://www.granite.ab.ca/accsmstr.htm.

Larry Linson
Microsoft Office Access MVP