Multiuser problem

[Steve Kendrot]

I have a split database on a peer to peer network(6 XP
computers). I have copied the front end to all 6 machines
and linked to the tables in the backend stored on a single
machine. I am having problems with multiple users
simultaneously entering data through forms. It seems to
work fine from any machine as long as it is the only user
with the database open. If two or more have the database
open at the same time, it opens other copies in read only
mode and will not allow new records or edits. I have
checked the form properties and both options for the
dataentry property. When set to yes, on anything but the
host computer, no records are shown in the form and new
records aren't allowed. I have tried importing the
required tables to the front end to make sure its not a
problem with my front end, and it works fine. Problem
arises when trying to access linked tables in the backend.
Help function hasn't given me any clues. Does anyone have
any suggestions. I had an access 97 version of this same
database with the same frontend/backend configuration set
up on a different network (Win 98) and it worked no
problem. Why would I have problems with Access 2002?

 

[Albert D. Kallal]

I don't think your problem is that you are running access xp.

on the other hand, running windows XP is a complete different OS then is
that old win 98 network.

any suggestions. I had an access 97 version of this same
database with the same frontend/backend configuration set
up on a different network (Win 98)

Yes, a different network. Comparing windows 98 networking to xp network is
like saying, I have a vehicle with seats, so why is there any difference?.
Problem is, one vehicle is a space shuttle with seats, the other is a
bicycle! You could not be comparing two more different networking systems
then that. Just the security model implemented in windows xp can take months
of training alone to master, let alone the basic networking functions.

So, roblem.

Why would I have problems with Access 2002?

Hum, likely it is the fact of running a complete different networking system
that works nothing like win98 at all!

You should note that each user MUST have full permissions to that directory
where the back end resides. When I say full permissions, I mean full
permissions! Each user needs read/write, delete, and create permissions.

The reason why delete, and create permissions is needed is a follows:

What happens when a mdb file is opened, the JET engine (the database engine
that ms-access is using) tries to create a locking file in the same
directory. This locking file has the same name as the database, but with a
ldb extension. This locking file is what manages the multi-user conflicts
and problems in the database (ie: who is in the database, what records are
in use etc. You see, ms-access needs some way to SHARE this information
among each user on the system. It can't talk to each pc, so a simply file is
made and each running user copy of JET looks a this file. Hence, instant
sharing of locking and conflict information etc goes into this file. So in a
multi-user situation, things can be dealt with). If ms-access cannot create
this file, then the file is opened in exclusive mode (that means JET will
run in single user mode). So, check two things:

1) Make sure each user has full rights to that directory, including create,
and delete rights (since the locking file is crated, and deleted).

2) Make sure the database is not setup to open files in exclusive mode.

Check Tools->Options->Advanced Tab

The option you want to make sure is set correctly is the "Default Open
Mode", and it should be set to Shared.

Anyway, I just want to stress that the difference between win98, and windows
XP in terms of the file system could not be more un-related, and different!
While the permissions may not be your problem, it certainly good note how
very different a operating system xp is when compared to windows 98.