How do I use MSDE instead JET for my Access application?

[M Skabialka]

I read an article by Albert D. Kallal that said MS Access comes with both
JET and a server engine called the desktop server, or MSDE (Microsoft Data
Engine). Since I did a full install of Office 2000 Professional, this means
I have MSDE - right?

So where do I find it on my computer, and how do I use it instead of JET?

Thanks,

Mich

 

[Brian]

I read an article by Albert D. Kallal that said MS Access comes with both
JET and a server engine called the desktop server, or MSDE (Microsoft Data
Engine). Since I did a full install of Office 2000 Professional, this means
I have MSDE - right?

So where do I find it on my computer, and how do I use it instead of JET?

Thanks,

Mich

A full install doesn't install MSDE! See:

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;218812

However, the SQL Server 2000 Desktop Engine (as it is now called) is now
available as a free download from the Microsoft Download Centre. It would
be advisable to use this, as it will be a more up-to-date version.

The simplest way to start using it (after you've installed it) is to create
an Access Project instead of an Access Database. However, SQL Server 2000
(which is what we are talking about here) is very different from Jet, and an
Access Project is very different from an Access Database: you are in for a
steep learning curve, and you perhaps need to ask yourself if you really
need to do this. For the vast majority of databases, Jet is more than
adequate.

 

[Albert D. Kallal]

The desktop database server does not get installed by default (a lot of
people don't want sql server running all by its self!).

You need to drop in the office cd..(hold down the shift key until the cd
finishes spinning up...and it will NOT try and install office).

Anyway, launch the windows explore..and start browsing the office cd. You
should find a dir called msde.....browse into that..and select the setup.

(I don't have a 2000 cd handy).

Once you install the msde..then you can create a ADP project.

On the office 2003 cd, you can find the msde in a dir called MSDE2000.
However, for office 2003, you can't just click on the setup...as you need to
supply a SA password (too many security problems with running sql server
with no password!).

So, for office 2003, you have to drop into the dos prompt..and go:

setup /sapwd MySaPassword

or is it:

setup /sapwd=MyWhateverpasswrod

As a side note, if you don't have the sql server management tools installed
on your pc, then you really are limited to using ADP projects, as this kind
of ms-access application lets you manage sql server. For your existing
applications, you are much better off to use ODBC and link the tables to sql
server (you don't have to change much code...especially the dao code you
have). However, using a standard mdb with sql server (or the MSDE which is
the same thing), then you need to learn how to use sql server. (hey, new
books, new tools..and likely even new newsgroups to visit...etc...you have
lots to learn here!).

As a side note, you can get all of the corporate way cool sql server
management tools for free. All you need to do is download the trial edition
of sql server...but ONLY install the client management tools.

So, if you use a ADP project, then you don't need the sql server management
tools.
If you plan to use an existing mdb with sql server...then you need to get
the sql server management tools.

 

[M Skabialka]

Looks as though I have a lot of homework to do! Thanks so much for leading
me in the right direction.

Mich