Remove Password

[Guest]

Access 2000
We have a database split front-end/back-end. Several years ago, before the
database was split, one of the creators of the database started to set-up
security and then gave up on it. He was "admin" and there were several
users, although he only created a password for himself.
Whenever he opens any database now, he gets the prompt to enter his password
as admin. How do we clear this password (and prompt)? I opened the front-end
of the database from his computer in exclusive mode, went to
Tools>Security>User and Group Accounts. However, the "clear password" button
is grayed-out.
I haven't gone into the back-end yet. I'll have to get every one out to do
that. However, it looks like the password is in the application itself.
I'll appreciate any suggestions.

 

[Rick B]

You say that he gets the prompt. Does that mean no one else does?

If so, then the database is not secured at all. He is simply joined to a
workgroup where the ADMIN user has a password. Just delete that workgroup
from his computer and rejoin the default "SYSTEM.MDW" workgroup file.

 

[Guest]

Yes, only he gets the prompt. And if I go to the front-end on his computer
the admin and users he set-up are there, but the clear password button is
grayed-out.

 

[Rick B]

Again, if only he gets it, then it is his workgroup file. Just rejoin the
default. If others can open the file (and have full access to the objects)
then the file is not secured.

Adding userid's and passwords to a workgroup does not secure a database
file. You can add all the passwords and restrictions you want, but if the
database file is not properly secured, you can take that file to another
computer and open it.

You can't "start playing with security" and do much good. You have to
follow all the steps in order to properly secure a file.

 

[Guest]

Rick,

Thanks.
What do you mean by "rejoin the default?" He just wants to get rid of the
password and the prompt.
I think he gave up on it because he read of too many databases that became
so secure no one could get in!! It's really not necessary that this database
be secure.

 

[Rick B]

He needs to open the Access Workgroup Administrator application. Select the
"Join" button and then point to the default workgroup file that ships with
Access. This assumes that he created a new workgroup before playing around
with security.

 

[Guest]

Rick,

Thanks very much for your help. I believe that is what he did.