Workgroup Query

[Guest]

I am in the process of trying to secure a database which will reside on a
shared network drive.

As I understand it, I need to have the workgroup file stored on the network
with it. This has been done. However, the workgroup selection appears to have
become permanent. My locally stored databases now ask for a login, and use
the same user names and passwords.

As other people are going to access the database, can anybody tell me how I
stop it doing this? I want one workgroup to operate on one database.

PS - am restarting Access in between opening DBs

 

[Joan Wild]

When you created your workgroup file to secure your mdb, Access made it the
default to use in all sessions.

Just use the workgroup administrator to rejoin the standard system.mdw that
ships with Access.

For your secured mdb create a desktop shortcut with a target of
"path to msaccess.exe" "path to secure mdb" /wrkgrp "path to secure mdw"

 

[Joan Wild]

It depends on your version of Access. 2002/2003 - Open Access and go to the
Tools, Security, Workgroup Administrator menu. Click on Join and join the
system.mdw on your system (It usually is in the windows system folder, but
do a search first).

In 97/2000 you use Start, Run, wrkgadm.exe

 

[John W via AccessMonster.com]

Wow, thanks. This is the information I've been looking for. I assume then
the link created for the desktop would be what I send to other users of the
database.

One other question. Is there a way to have the secure database and mdw file
default to a 'read only' mode of access to the database if the user isn't
pointed to the secure mdw file?

Thanks again for your help! I'm so glad I happened across this web site.
John

When you created your workgroup file to secure your mdb, Access made it the
default to use in all sessions.

Just use the workgroup administrator to rejoin the standard system.mdw that
ships with Access.

For your secured mdb create a desktop shortcut with a target of
"path to msaccess.exe" "path to secure mdb" /wrkgrp "path to secure mdw"

I am in the process of trying to secure a database which will reside
on a shared network drive.

[quoted text clipped - 9 lines]

PS - am restarting Access in between opening DBs

 

[Joan Wild]

Wow, thanks. This is the information I've been looking for. I
assume then the link created for the desktop would be what I send to
other users of the database.

Perhaps - you'd want to verify that they have Access installed to the same
location.

One other question. Is there a way to have the secure database and
mdw file default to a 'read only' mode of access to the database if
the user isn't pointed to the secure mdw file?

If they're not pointed to the secure mdw file, then they shouldn't be able
to even open it, provided you secured it properly (this is actually a good
test).

 

[Joan Wild]

When you go into the workgroup administrator, it will give you the path to
the mdw file you are currently joined to by default - what is it?

Do a search of your computer for all *.mdw files and post back with what you
find.

 

[Joan Wild]

So you found a single mdw file on your computer. You were already joined to
it, so you opened Access, logging in as Admin and then cleared the password.

If I have that right, then you were setting up groups/users using the
system.mdw workgroup. The very first step in securing a database is to
create a new mdw file to secure it with.

It is very important that you follow all the steps in the correct order, or
your database won't be secured.
Security FAQ
http://support.microsoft.com/?id=207793

Security Whitepaper
http://support.microsoft.com/?id=148555

Although the whitepaper is old, it contains information to help you
understand security.

I've also outlined the detailed steps at
www.jmwild.com/AccessSecurity.htm