Minimize?

[Guest]

I have built a data base that is used in several locations by 100+ people.
My interest wasn't to secure the data but to secure the layout of the data
base. I built an operator interface with buttons to take them to all the
necessary forms and reports, set everything as pop ups and start the data
base directely into the operator interface pop up. I have given them a
input form so they can modify thier report headers. I used a hidden spot on
one of the forms when clicked on, opens a pop up that when the correct
password is entered it allows me into the data base to modify or correct over
sights.This approach has worked extremely well with one draw back, everthing
is maximized so it is the only program available when it is open. I'm looking
for ways to allow them to minimize the whole Access program from the
operator interface and later restore it back to full screen. This will solve
having to
close the data base every time they need to look at something else on thier
computers. Any thoughts on my approach or maybe suggestions?

 

[Dirk Goldgar]

In

I have built a data base that is used in several locations by 100+
people. My interest wasn't to secure the data but to secure the
layout of the data base. I built an operator interface with buttons
to take them to all the necessary forms and reports, set everything
as pop ups and start the data base directely into the operator
interface pop up. I have given them a
input form so they can modify thier report headers. I used a hidden
spot on one of the forms when clicked on, opens a pop up that when
the correct password is entered it allows me into the data base to
modify or correct over sights.This approach has worked extremely well
with one draw back, everthing is maximized so it is the only program
available when it is open. I'm looking for ways to allow them to
minimize the whole Access program from the operator interface and
later restore it back to full screen. This will solve having to
close the data base every time they need to look at something else on
thier computers. Any thoughts on my approach or maybe suggestions?

You can minimize the Access application with the statement

RunCommand acCmdAppMinimize

You could execute this statements from the click event of a command
button, or you could assign a keyboard macro to the equivalent macro
action.

But is there a reason they can't just click the minimize button on the
Access application window to minimize it, and then click the task-bar
button to restore it?

 

[Guest]

the operator interface is a pop up, maximized, with no border. so there's no
minimize button for them to click. I tried the RunCommand acCmdAppMinimize
programmed to a 'click on' event of a text box but nothing happens. I do
appeciate the help.

 

[Dirk Goldgar]

In

the operator interface is a pop up, maximized, with no border. so
there's no minimize button for them to click. I tried the RunCommand
acCmdAppMinimize programmed to a 'click on' event of a text box but
nothing happens. I do appeciate the help.

Have you hidden the Access application window, then? Is the popup form
also modal?

I'm trying to visualize how your application looks and works. The
RunCommand method works for me in a simple test, with a popup form open,
though the process of restoring from the task-bar button seems to force
the popup form to restored state. That would need to be tweaked, at
least.

 

[Guest]

Ahhh! yes The operator Interface form was set to be a Modal also. I turned
this off and the RunCommand method worked to minimize the application, but
when I tried to restore it the interface form comes up reduced which leaves
everything open for anyone to tamper with the design.
When this data base is normally opened from the Desktop the Access window is
open but is always behind what ever form or report they are viewing(out of
reach). This leaves them locked out but allows me in when it is needed.

 

[Guest]

Now that I can minimize the complete application does anyone have an idea how
to get it to restore with the form maximized? Everythig I have tried so far
has not worked. Any help would be appreciated.

 

[Dirk Goldgar]

In

Now that I can minimize the complete application does anyone have an
idea how to get it to restore with the form maximized? Everythig I
have tried so far has not worked. Any help would be appreciated.

I've been tinkering with this, and it's not as simple as one would
think. The problem seems to stem from differences in the way popup
forms are handled, as opposed to non-popup forms. For an ordinary form,
I'd say to use the form's Activate event to execute DoCmd.Maximize, but
this event doesn't seem to fire for a popup form.

The best solutions I can find so far are:

(1) Use the form's Timer event, with a small TimerInterval, to check
whether the form is now visible and was invisible the last time the
event was raised. If so, execute DoCmd.Maximize. Code would look like
this:

Private Sub Form_Timer()

Static blnInvisible As Boolean

If Me.Visible = False Then
blnInvisible = True
Else
If Me.Visible = True Then
If blnInvisible Then
DoCmd.Maximize
blnInvisible = False
End If
End If
End If

End Sub

The flaw in this scheme is mainly the extra overhead of the Timer event
firing every few milliseconds. You could possibly circumvent this
somewhat by only turning on that event -- by setting the TimerInterval
to a non-zero value -- when you minimize the application. You'd have to
then turn it off again when the application is restored.

(2) Probably a better option is to just have the form size itself to
completely fill the Access window. This would probably be simplest to
do if the form is not set as PopUp. See Terry Kreft's code posted on
the Access Web here:

http://www.mvps.org/access/api/api0022.htm
API: Remove Close button from maximized forms

 

[Guest]

Dirk, thanks for the time and effort you have put into my problem. I am
working with both your suggestions and will repost what I decide. Too many
projects on my plate at once, now. Thanks again