How do I set up a Microsoft Access file as a shared workspace?

[Frederick James]

My sister and I have Power of Attorney for our mother. As part of our
duties, we have to maintain strict records of our dealings with her estate.
I have created a Microsoft Access file accordingly, but my sister and I need
to both be able to enter data into it. I'm not sure the best way to proceed.

 

[Stockwell43]

Hi Frederick,

I all you're looking to do is document where the money is spent, try this
link:

http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/templates/CT101426031033.aspx

There are pre-made templates for database and there is one that is an
accounting managment database you can download for free. Of course, you have
to have Access 2003 or 2007.

Hope this helps!!!

 

[Arvin Meyer [MVP]]

My sister and I have Power of Attorney for our mother. As part of our
duties, we have to maintain strict records of our dealings with her
estate.
I have created a Microsoft Access file accordingly, but my sister and I
need
to both be able to enter data into it. I'm not sure the best way to
proceed.

If the 2 of you are not on a local area network, you'll need to set up
either a web page or use Terminal Services (preferably over a VPN for
security).

Of the 2, Terminal Services is by far the easiest since it's already built
in. Just do:

Start >>> Run

and type:

mstsc.exe

then you'll need to know the IP address of the machine that's holding the
database. To learn more, just click on the help button on the applet.

 

[Klatuu]

Are both of your computers at the same location and connected so you can
share files?

If so, then all you need to do is split your database using the database
splitter utility. Then each of you should have a copy of the front end on
your own computer and the back end data should be on a shared folder.

If you are at different locations, then you would need to use replication.
That gets a bit technically advanced.

 

[Cheese_whiz]

Hi Frederick,

Unless you are holding back some important info, and assuming that you and
your sister don't live in the same house (or otherwise share a network), then
I'd suggest you go with excel.

You could develop a simple worksheet to record transactions, give your
sister a copy of the blank worksheet. Each of you could record your own
transactions in your own copy of the worksheet, and then email your files to
the other on regular intervals.

That is probably the quickest/simplest solution (assuming you both have a
copy of excel or you have a copy of excel 2007 or a copy of an earlier
version along with the developer extensions).

Access can certainly handle your needs here, but it's overkill, will take
you more time, and will not provide you with any significant advantage over
excel that I can think of UNLESS you are not giving an accurate picture of
your requirements.

Good luck with your project,
CW