Access Database Upgrades

[Guest]

I have been trying to find info re. how to make upgrades to an existing
Access 2003 app. For example, to add a new form, add a new column to an
existing table. What techniques do you use to make these kinds of changes
without replacing existing data.

 

[Allen Browne]

Shane, the first step is to split the database into 2:
- the back end (MDB), containing just the tables;
- the front end (MDE), containing linked tables, and all the queries, forms,
reports, etc.

That makes it easy to replace the front end (add new forms, fix bugs, etc)
without overwriting the data in the back end.

If splitting is a new concept, see:
http://allenbrowne.com/ser-01.html

For suggestions on keeping multiple front ends up to date, see:
http://www.granite.ab.ca/access/autofe.htm

The issue of modifying the data structure in-place is more involved. If you
are unable to physically open the back end and add the column, you will need
to programmatically OpenDatabase() and CreateField(). It's doable, but will
take you some time to learn if this is new territory.

 

[Guest]

Backup the database first. Then open the table or form in design view.
Make the changes.

 

[Amy Blankenship]

To add a new column to a table, open the table in design mode and click your
cursor in the left column below the last field definition. Type a name,
select a data type, and type a description if desired. At the bottom, set
field length if applicable and caption if you want it to appear in queries
and reports under a different name.

To add a new form, go to the form tab and click either "new form in design
view" or "new form with wizard".

HTH;

Amy