Workgroup Security

[Penstar]

I am trying to set up Security for my database. However, when I set up a new
System.mdw file (eg test.mdw) all databases refer to this file. If I "join"
a different workgroup file, all databases on my computer are automatically
using this workgroup file.

Can each separate database have its own .mdw, or do they all run from the
same mdw file?

 

[Scott Whetsell, A.S. - WVSP]

Penstar,

The easiest way to associate a specific database to a specific workgroup
information file (mdw), is to create a shortcut.

The shortcut consists of a couple parts and is as follows:
"C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\OFFICE11\MSACCESS.EXE" -Location of
access
"C:\DatabaseDirectory\DatabaseFileName.MDB" - Location of your database
/wrkgrp "C:\WorkgroupDirectory\WorkgroupFileName.mdw" - Location of your mdw

Place each of those lines, including the quote marks separated by a space in
the target field of your shortcut. This should accomplish what you are
trying to do.

 

[Penstar]

This is exactly what I want to do. However, it doesn't seem to be working.

I have created a shortcut as follows:

"C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\OFFICE11\MSACCESS.EXE" "C:\Documents and
Settings\Penny\Desktop\copy0405.mdb" /wrkgrp "C:\Documents and
Settings\Penny\Application Data\Microsoft\Access\System1.mdw"

When I open database via shortcut it is still referencing the original
system.mdw file. Have I done somthing wrong here?

Thanks
Penny

 

[Scott Whetsell, A.S. - WVSP]

Penny,

Your last line for the System1.mdw is what is referencing the default Access
mdw. Change that line to target your new mdw with the users and groups you
want for that mdb. I would recommend placing your target mdb and mdw into a
directory and not directly on the desktop. You could have
C:\MyDatabase\Database.mdb and C:\MyDatabase\Database.mdw, for example.

 

[Penstar]

Still no luck. I have moved database file, and setup new mdw (test.mdw) but,
shortcut, as shown below, opens database with usergroup set to system.mdw
(from "C:\Documents and Settings\Penny\Application
Data\Microsoft\Access\System.mdw")

"C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\OFFICE11\MSACCESS.EXE"
"D:\database\copy0405.mdb" /wrkgrp "D:\database\test.mdw"

 

[Scott Whetsell, A.S. - WVSP]

Couple more questions.

1. Did you set an Admin Password in your new mdw?

2. When you launch the shortcut does it ask you to authenticate with your
username and password?

3. When you go to Tools -> Security -> User and Group Accounts... does it
show the correct user and groups?

If the answers to all three of those are yes, then your security is working.
If you are checking the Workgroup Administrator, then it may show the
default workgroup for access because you are not assigning all databases to
your new workgroup, but the /wrkgrp switch in the shortcut is telling it to
use it for that mdb.

Hope that makes some sense.

 

[Penstar]

I was checking the Workgroup Administrator which showed me the system mdw.
But on futher investigation i.e. User and Group accounts it was going to the
correct group.

Thank you so much for you guidance on this one.

One further question... I am going to make an .mde out of this database.
Is it only a matter of supplying the .mdw with the database file, and a
shortcut as discussed above? or are there any further "tricks" that are
required?

Thanks again
Penny

 

[Scott Whetsell, A.S. - WVSP]

Yes, it is the same proceedure as previously discussed. If you haven't read
already, make sure you keep a backup copy of your mdb because you can't
change the mde.


Best of luck!

 

[Penstar]

Thanks Scott. You have been a great help! It is much appreciated.

Penny

 

[CGeek]

A little off topic, but here goes... I sure hope you might be able to help.

I was wondering how to a make an Access database (with permissions) work
properly with FrontPage. Without permissions, the database works fine in both
Frontpage and Access. With permissions, the database works fine only in
Access. I think my problem has something to do with the connection string. I
can't find information online regarding how to configure a database
connection for an Access database that uses permissions (e.g. uses an .mdw
file and username/password) with Frontpage.

Can you please provide any suggestions? Thanks!