User-level Security

[SStory]

Ok,

Just testing the waters of user-level security in Access.

I took a database that I had created in Access 97, converted to Access XP.

Then I went to security wizard to secure it.

Put in my users and all and it created a shortcut for security. I assigned
my users to various groups and exited.

When I tried to open it, it asked for one of the usernames I created but the
password was not accepted.

So, after many attempts, I deleted everything in that directory, and then
copied the original back into that directory and now I can't even open it
without a login prompt.

#1.) What can I do to open the original copy that I just copied over and
why does it ask for a login--did this somehow become a system wide thing for
any uses of Access? Just wanted for a certain database.

#2.) What did I do wrong that I couldn't login with the accounts I created?
Username shows up but password doesn't. I made three accounts and know the
passwords for each for example,
one was JOHN, password john. But it wouldn't let me log in either.

Any explanations? Comments on user-level security would be appreciated.

Thanks,

Shane

 

[SStory]

Ok,

I managed to find and delete the file in ApplicationData\Access
and now can get back in.

so apparently in Access you secure all databases and can't do it on a
database by database basis--one secure--others not?

Shane

 

[Joan Wild]

Every time you use Access, you are using security. There is a workgroup
file that ships with Access, called system.mdw. When you start Access, it
uses this mdw and silently logs you in as the Admin user. The Admin user
owns all objects in your mdb, and the built-in Users Group has full
permission to everything.

When you implement security, you create a new workgroup file. Access likely
changed your default mdw to this new one. That is why you are getting a
login prompt for every session. You can use the workgroup administrator
(Tools, security menu) to change the default back to system.mdw. This
workgroup wouldn't prompt you with a login.

The shortcut you were using specified the mdw to use, for that session.
This would over-ride whatever was set as the default.

If you want to implement security, I suggest you study the security FAQ:
http://support.microsoft.com/?id=207793

Other reading material
http://support.microsoft.com/?id=148555
http://www.ltcomputerdesigns.com/Security.htm
www.geocities.com/jacksonmacd

 

[SStory]

Thanks Joan,

So, If I go into access and configure back to the default is that for all
databases?

i.e. is there a way to have one database that isn't secure in just the
Access program and another that is?

I will read the FAQ's now,
forgive me if it is already there.. Just wanted to reply quickly as I have
to leave now.

Thanks,

Shane

 

[Joan Wild]

Hi Shane,

Thanks Joan,

So, If I go into access and configure back to the default is that for all
databases?

Yes the default will be used for all sessions of Access (i.e. all
databases). You can override it by creating a desktop shortcut that uses
the /wrkgrp switch. This will use the specified mdw instead of the default.

i.e. is there a way to have one database that isn't secure in just the
Access program and another that is?

Yes. Leave your default as the standard system.mdw. For any secured mdb,
create a desktop shortcut. The target would have
"path to msaccess.exe" "path to mdb" /wrkgrp "path to secure.mdw"

This will launch Access using the secure.mdw. When you exit that session
and just open Access, or open any mdb via Windows Explorer, the default mdw
(system.mdw) will be used.

 

[SStory]

Thanks Joan.

Hi Shane,


Yes the default will be used for all sessions of Access (i.e. all
databases). You can override it by creating a desktop shortcut that uses
the /wrkgrp switch. This will use the specified mdw instead of the default.

Yes. Leave your default as the standard system.mdw. For any secured mdb,
create a desktop shortcut. The target would have
"path to msaccess.exe" "path to mdb" /wrkgrp "path to secure.mdw"

This will launch Access using the secure.mdw. When you exit that session
and just open Access, or open any mdb via Windows Explorer, the default mdw
(system.mdw) will be used.