merge or combine databases/files

[Guest]

Let me start by saying i have NO experience with ACCESS 2003.
I am working with HS students at the local public library- where they are
inputting data for historical photos and other items. This info will
eventually be used by the general public to research local history.
We just received another PC -running Win XP- and i would like to have more
than one person adding data. These computers are NOT networked. Is there a
way to mesh the info they are working on at the end of each session so that
both computers have "complete" and matching files?
I have searched here, online and in a book-but cannot find anything that
seems relevant. I do not want to lose any of this valuable data. Any help
would be greatly appreciated

 

[Albert D. Kallal]

does the "extra" computer user really need the full database?

You could just place the mdb file on a usb drive...take it over to the
"master" computer, and simply import the data
(this is easy if the database is not relational, and only has one table).

You then go back to your "extra" computer..and delete the data so the user
can start adding again.

if you don't delete the data, then it becomes very difficult to track which
records already been imported.....

If you are experienced with ms-access, then you could consider using
replication, but that skill set that is rather advanced, and STILL requites
you have some type of network setup, and you don't. (ie: once a week, you
pull out that cable...connect the two computers...and then replication).

The other solution is of course to network the computers.....

Perhaps you might just purchase a $12 cable and network the two computers
(you would need what is called a crossover cable).

Also, you could right after you merge the data, take a copy of this "master"
file that has ALL OF the data, and place a copy on the extra computer, but
STILL REQUIRE the data entry of new information be done on the "empty" file
(well, the one we empty right after importing the data).

Trying to sync two separate databases can be difficult, because what about
editing of existing records? How are you going to handle the case with both
users on both machines edit the same record? What about when one user finds
a bad record, and wants to delete it (but, you tell them they can't on the
extra machine...so, they just don't give a dam when it comes to trying to
fix, or clean up a bad records).

So, you can likely place a copy on each machine, but only you decide how
much discipline your users will have, and will one station still abide by
your request to NOT edit existing data....

Another simply way would be to add a column to the table as to make note if
the record already been imported (but, taking that road starts to mean you
getting into the design part of an appcation...something you might wan to
avoid).

I would consider contacting the local computer users group, and see if you
can find someone with some actual ms-access skills.

The solution with the least amount of work and effort is to network the
computers. If that can't be done, the simply import data every time, and
then clear out the file on the extra computer is the most workable approach.

If you want full synchronisation here, you have to network the computers, or
roll you own import system....