front end app

[gibsonsgman]

I'm not sure if this is the correct thread to pose this question, but
here goes:
Right now i have an access database on a network and I want to give the
user the option to create a local copy on their desktop so the database
will run faster for them. I can't seem to figure thsi out. Any ideas
on how I can accomplish this? Thanks.

 

[jahoobob via AccessMonster.com]

If this is a non-collaborative database, in other words one user will be the
only user of the data he/she entered, then email them eache a copy.
If, however, it is collborative, the data collected by each user is used by
others, then you need ot split your database into a backend that resides on
the network and a frontend on each of the users' machines.
Access provides a Tool to do this for you. Select Tools from the Access menu
then Database Utilities and finally Database Splitter.

 

[gibsonsgman]

i have the database split, but the front end app is on a network drive
where all users can access it. I want to put an option for the users
where they can copy the db to their desktop themselves. I do not know
who exactly will be using the database so i need the flexibility of
adding letting the user add it on their own. any ideas?

 

[jahoobob via AccessMonster.com]

It shouldn't be an option, it should be a must. You shouldn't have two or
more people working on the same Access file. Slow response is just one of
the problems.
Make sure that your tables are linked via the UNC address (e.g \\Server\
Folder\database.mdb) and not the Drive alias (e.g. Z:\database.mbd.) To do
this, run the linked table manager on the frontend and go through Network
Neighborhood or My Network Places depending on your OS. You can then place a
batch file with the line:
Copy \\Server\Folder\database.mdb C:\MyDocuments\Access (or wherevever you
want it)
in the same directory as the frontend. Name it something that makes sense to
the user and then all they have to do is double click it.
You could also email them the batch file and have them save it in their
access folder. Leave out the C:\MyDocuments\Access and it will copy the
frontend to their Access directory.
Hope this helps,
Bob

 

[Douglas J. Steele]

Take a look at the free Auto FE Updater Tony Toews has at
http://www.granite.ab.ca/access/autofe.htm

 

[gibsonsgman]

thanks for the help but i have already taken the route of creating a
batch file that will copy a version of the FE database into the start
menu and a shortcut to the desktop of whatever user is currently logged
on who chooses to run it. if they dont do this they can't use the
database. i figure thats the best route to take.