How to open an Access Data/User Form file to see answers to Questions?

  • Thread starter Thread starter Dennis
  • Start date Start date
D

Dennis

Access 2003

I have an Access .mdb file that has a User form that is "first-up" as the file opens.

The "Form" asks many questions, the answers to which, must be saved somewhere - as the answers are
present each subsequent opening.

Where are the answers stored?

How does one access the answers file?

TIA Dennis
 
The data can be stored pretty much wherever the developer of the application
chooses to store it. In an Access application, this will *usually* be in
Access tables, either in the same MDB file that contains the form, or in a
separate data-only MDB file. But it doesn't *have* to be - Access is
frequently used as a 'front-end' application to data that is stored using
other database engines, such as SQL Server, and there's nothing preventing
an Access developer from storing data in text files or even in the registry,
should the developer choose to do so.

You can try opening the MDB while holding down either of the two Shift keys.
If the developer has not disabled that feature, this will by-pass the normal
start up procedure of the application so that you can explore the contents
of the MDB. Keep in mind, though, that changing anything other than via the
interface provided may void any support agreement you might have with the
vendor of the product. It would be wise to a) read any EULA provided with
the product and b) confine your explorations to a *copy* of the MDB.
 
Brendon,

This is very intriguing. I held down the shift key on open. Of course, the "Open" commands did not
function, but I could not find and "other tables" or forms or what ever.

I used Regedit to scan the registry to no avail.

Is it possible that the author hid the information in any of the "obvious" tables that are part
overall .mdb file?

I am not on a server - completely stand-alone.

I emailed the subject .mdb file to another user and that user was able to see my answers also, when
only one .mdb file (containing three linked tables). So there is no other "apparent" files.

The reason I wish to know, is to utilize the approach. I can not attempt to utilize what I can not
see.

Dennis
 
Dennis, the developer may have hidden the database objects. You might try
this: pull down the Tools menu and select Options. On the View tab, check
the Hidden objects box, then OK.

DDM
"DDM's Microsoft Office Tips and Tricks"
http://ddmara.tripod.com
 
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