access 2000: add new user to workgroup ?

[stonehead]

Hi all,
I need to add new users to the workgroup but I don't know how. I did not create the database, s/o did and he left. I see the .mdw in the folder. I open it and do not see any table. There're couples queries, 1 of it is MSysUserList which display user names but I have now idea where the table comes from. Please give me some help. I really don't know where to start :-(

Thanks

 

[CharlieT302]

Stonehead,

This is a rather lengthy topic and cannot be completely covered here. You access the workgroup thru the file you are securing using the Workgroup Administrator (Tools menu). While you could use the Security wizard that came with Access, it is advisable not do so as security holes have been identified with it's use.

For security purposes, you should set up new workgroup file rather than using the default (system.mdw) file (Tools, Security, Workgroup Administrator).

By default, all Access files use the system.mdw file. If damaged or missing, Access will attempt to create a new one. However, the existence of an .mdw file does not mean user level security has been set up.

User/Group accounts and their passwords are stored in the workgroup file, while their permissions are stored within hidden tables in the database file you are securing. If a workgroup file does not recognize the accounts in the database, it does not allow the file to be opened.

After creating the file, you must then join it (if it is not done automatically).

You need to create a new Admin User account and add it to the Admins group (Tools, Security, User and Group Accounts). Close and log back in using the new account.

Create all new user/group accounts. The default Admin user account should be removed from the Admins group and stripped of all rights(Tools, Security, User and Group Permissions). This prevents someone else from bypassing security by using a default copy of a .mdw file on a floppy disk. For added security, it is better to strip the Admins group account of all permissions and create a new one.

Apply rights to new groups of your creation. If possible, it is better to apply rights to the groups rather than user accounts. You can then add users to the group where they will then inherit the group rights. It is better to apply rights once to a group than a dozen times to individual users. Permissions are applied on a per object, per account basis.

Caution! While the general order of what I said is accurate, this is a quick and somewhat vague explanation. I only meant it to give you a general idea what you need to do. You should really obtain some written documentation before you begin. It is possible, for example, to lock everyone out of Access if a password is applied to the Admin user account using the default workgroup file and then forgetting the password.

 

[Remou]

You should find this useful:

http://support.microsoft.com/?id=207793