Make Linked Tables Read Only

[Guest]

Is it possible to create a linked table that is read only? I use a front
end/backend database and would like to creat links from the front end to the
backend that are read only. Is this possible?

Thanks,

 

[Jeff Boyce]

Why?

It sounds like you're planning to give your users direct use of the tables.
Why not use the forms and reports (and queries) as a way of insulating your
users from hurting themselves or the data/structure...?

Unlike Word or Excel, Access isn't the "end-user tool". Think about a
bookcase ... you know how to use it, and there's a fairly narrow set uses.
This is like Word and Excel.

Now think about a power saw... you may NOT know how to use it, but you know
it can be used to build a bookcase, ... or a cabinet, ... or a deck, ... or
a house...

Access is a power tool for building applications.

Good luck!

Regards

Jeff Boyce
Microsoft Office/Access MVP

 

[Guest]

Jeff,

Thanks for the response. You are correct the users only use forms in the
database and do not have direct access to the tables. What I was trying to do
is easily lock certain users out from editing certain tables (of coarse via
the form). I know I can do this in the form by setting the controls but it is
very time consuming and I could screw up and forget to disable a command that
deletes a row. If I could just set locks when I establish the links to the
backend database it would be easier and safer. So back to my original
question. Can one set a linked table to read only????

 

[Jeff Boyce]

One way (a kludge) to do this is to use a totals query (a SELECT query on
which you then click the "Totals" toolbar button). Because the values are
"aggregated", you should not be able to modify the underlying data. Use the
query as the source for the form.

You could always take on the (not-insignificant) effort of adding in Access
security ... and a serious hacker will still be able to bypass this.

If you are concerned more about users accidentally deleting a record, you
can simply change the form's (?forms') Allow Deletions property to No.

Or, I suppose you could inform the users "?you break it, you bought it!"

Good luck!

Regards

Jeff Boyce
Microsoft Office/Access MVP