Reducing size of packaged database

[Guest]

Hi all,

I have a packaged Access database (zipped) that people will purchase and
downloaded from our web store. It is taking 10 minutes or more to download
onto a system that is reasonably fast. Is there something out there that I
can use to compress the file so that it speeds up the process?

You help is appreciated.
Connie

 

[John Vinson]

Hi all,

I have a packaged Access database (zipped) that people will purchase and
downloaded from our web store. It is taking 10 minutes or more to download
onto a system that is reasonably fast. Is there something out there that I
can use to compress the file so that it speeds up the process?

You help is appreciated.
Connie

Did you Compact the database prior to zipping it? Would it be
appropriate to make it into a MDE file (which will remove all source
code and prohibit design changes) - these are smaller than MDBs. How
big is the (compacted, MDE if appropriate, Zipped) file when you're
done?

John W. Vinson[MVP]

 

[Guest]

Hi Connie,

If you are using the Package and Deployment wizard, then I'm afraid the
answer is no. I think the P&D wizard adds lots of stuff, including Internet
Explorer, which you cannot remove. If you are willing to invest in other
distribution software, such as the Wise Installer or Install Shield, then I
*think* you can create a tailored installation package that is smaller by
several orders of magnitude.

Of course, the usual advice applies such as making sure to compact your
database. Converting to .mde will reduce the size slighly.


Tom Wickerath
Microsoft Access MVP

http://www.access.qbuilt.com/html/expert_contributors.html
http://www.access.qbuilt.com/html/search.html
__________________________________________

 

[Albert D. Kallal]

One good/possible solution is to have two versions, one with the runtime,
and a 2nd one without...

the runtime for a2000 was up to 150 megs in size at one time.

However, the a2003 runtime is a reasonable 34 megs in size (I say
reasonable, since the .net runtime is about 22 megs in size also).

It is not clear what version you are using, but from memory:

a97 14 megs
a2000 up to 150 megs, and re-boot of machine
a2003 34 megs

Of course, you do realize that the runtime is really like installing a FULL
version of ms-access on the users machine. That means all of the SAME
complications and difficulties will occur if you install ms-access (or
runtime) on a machine that ALREADY has an version of ms-access. this will no
doubt case you to spend much time on support calls...often, this type of
support can eat up any profits on the product sold.

So, I assume you have the support and infrastructure in place to send users
updates to their software (again, without the runtime included), and I also
assume you taken steps for those users will install ms-access (or the
runtime) on machines that *already* have a version of ms-access. there is a
CONSIDERABLE number of problems, and just basic obvious ones like which
version of ms-access will be used when a user clicks on a mdb file after you
install YOUR runtime? (you can WELL see how this will mess up a clients
machine with GREAT ease).

It is assumed that you spend considerable time and efforts dealing with
multiple versions of ms-access being installed. And, that you take
precautions for users that would out of the blue installed HUGE product
like ms-access on their computers.

you do realize that the runtime is the same as the full version, but ONLY
with design features removed? So, those users need to be informed that they
are installing a big version of ms-access, and that this will potentially
cause many problems if they are using a current/existing version of
ms-access...

 

[Guest]

Hi John

Thanks for your response. FYI, we are using Office XP Developer Edition.

The db is set to compact on close, and is an mde. There is an option to
exclude Internet Explorer in the packaging process, and we do exclude it, but
with the runtime version of Access, it is still quite large.

I am looking for some kind of software, if it exists, to minimize download
time. Any suggestions?

Connie