How to set all user permissions at once

[timrob]

I have a Microsoft Access 97 SR2 database that approximately 200 people use. When we upgrade to Access 2003, I will have to manually reset all of the the permissions (tables, query, form, report) for each user. Is there an easy way to copy the permsissions or set them all at once for each user. I really don't want to write any code, as that would take just as long.

 

[JerryKlmns]

timrob,

You set permissions on users? You should use groups for that since there wont be as many as users! Then add useres to groups. It is easier, safer and most recomended.

 

[timrob]

I tried that in Access 97 SR-2. The problem is that whenever I added a new user to the group, they wouldn't have the permissions of the group. I would have to manually add the permissions for the new user. Any ideas?

 

[psemianonymous]

I think you can upgrade the MDW file to the new file format also, which would eliminate your problem entirely. I don't know how it's done, but I am 90% sure it's possible, and if true, this will solve your problem right away. Search comp.databases.ms-access for expert advice on this subject, I'm sure I've read something about this there.


Also if you actually have to get this working, I highly recommend you get the group permissions working. Yes, I managed to make it work properly in Access 97 myself, so I know it's possible. It's certainly easier (and less error-prone) than setting user permissions for 200 users.


My third recommendation is that you give up and dump Access security instead of upgrading it to the new version. I figure: it's 100% crackable, thus, why bother with the pretense of security?

 

[JerryKlmns]

You can upgrade the mdw version to newer and compact & repair. It is a database after all! Just remember to join a diferent mdw first, UserID with administrative permissions, and the extension should be .... mdw!

pseale, I dont take either user-level security as security, since it's 100% crackable, but as an easy way to create roles on activities to be taken or not, by the users. It covers the issue of "What the user should be doing" and not "What the user is not able of doing".

There is no electronic lock that can't be unlocked. For the rest, just wait till tomorrow!

 

[timrob]

I understand the security not being perfect, but it's fine for what we're doing.

What is the new file format when you say "I think you can upgrade the MDW file to the new file format" or "You can upgrade the mdw version to newer and compact & repair"?

 

[psemianonymous]

Access 97 -> JET 3.5
Access 2000 and up -> JET 4.0

That's specifically what I mean when I say "upgrade".

 

[timrob]

I understand now. Unfortunately, I work for an automotive OEM, and our computer group won't do that for 1 user. We're limited in that way. Thanks for the help.

 

[psemianonymous]

By upgrade, I think you need to read up on it before you draw any conclusions. The .MDW file is just another database file (well, mostly...) that you can use Access yourself to upgrade.

Also if 200 people are using it, I would recommend the computer group be involved in some way. But I'm just guessing on all of this so don't take this to heart if I'm way off.