Access 2k db and Access 2007 issue

[Paul Fenton]

We have a networked database (Front end/Backend) application developed
in Access 2000. We just bought a new workstation which has Office
2007 installed. When we open the database with Access 2007, we get
this message:

"Potential security concern has been identified. Not possible to
determine that this content came from a reliable source..." etc

Lists the mde file we're trying to open, then goes on:

"Might contain unsafe content..." etc.

OK Cancel

If we select OK, we get in and everything works fine. This is the
first time I've seen Access 2007. In 2003, I would go to Macros,
Security and change it to "low".

What do I do to disable this message so we can get right in our
database?


Paul Fenton
(e-mail address removed)

 

[Pete D.]

You have a couple of choices, one get a certificate and sign the data file
with it. All users will have to accept your cert as a trusted publisher.
You can create a trusted location such as My Documents and install it there.
You can allow the user to accept it everytime they open it but this requires
the user to select the option and say Ok/yes which will not make them happy.
Actually it the trusted location is an improvement. The certificate is okay
if unlike me, you remember to sign it before you deploy it and explain it to
your users. This is the limit of my playing with it so far, I'm sure there
may be other options. The trusted location works best but, network admin
can control this and all security functions within 2007 so your options will
depend on what the biz plan is. HTH, Pete

 

[Paul Fenton]

Thanks for the reply, Pete. I have absolutely no experience with
certificates, signing the data file or a trusted location. Can you
point me to some resources that explain all that to me and how to do
it? It sounds like you're saying I add something to the .mde file
that lets Access 2007 know it's ok. Is that right?


Paul Fenton

 

[Pete D.]

Hi,
A certificate is a unique identified, encripted file that relates back to
you. I work for the government and we are provided ID cards with signature
certs, encription certs and another email cert. You can create a cert if
you have visual studio on your own but the normal way is to purchase one
from one of the (I am told) trusted certification athorities. If I was
normal people not related to strict rules I would use the trusted location
as If file got through your antivirus, spam, adware program it is probally
safe to use unless you pissed someone off at the coffee maker. In Access
click on the office button and go to the trust center. Add (for example) the
users My Documents directory to the trusted location. Once the user accepts
it your good to go for your file. For the other expenations, way too much
info, hit google and start reading, I have been on this diet for two years
now and it is a rough go, card reader drivers, desktop verification, network
configuations, global directories, and the ever changing rules guided by
trying to impress the boss. By the way, it is kind of virgin teritory for
most users. If you can do it go trusted locations. Duff

 

[Paul Fenton]

Thank you very much, Duff. I'll give this a try and let you know.

Paul