MDE, MDB, Exclusive control...AHHH

[jmstarbuck]

I am trying to deploy a small Access/VB application in a small office; 2-5 machines with file sharing between them.

I use one of the machines like a server. I've split my Access db up into a frontend and backend and created an MDE file of the front end to give to everyone else. I store the frontend mdb file on the "server" in the same directory as the backend mdb file.

Everyone seems to be able to access the data using the MDE file, but what is throwing me is that I cannot modify reports and forms in the frontend mdb file while others are using their MDE files. I get warnings "You do not have exclusive control of the database." I thought that was a big part of the reason to split things up and create an executable.

I feel certain that I am doing something wrong. I am really scratching my way through this. Any guidance would be greatly appreciated!

 

[willir]

jmstarbuck

Are you sure the users are using the MDE database as a front end?

And it is more typical for the front end to reside on the desktop.

If you are getting prohibative messages while working on the front end MDB, copy it to the local desktop, relink the backend, and try modifying the forms again. (It is a good idea to work on a backup copy anyway)

If you are still getting the error message, then I have to assume the backend MDB contains info that the frontend is still using. This time, copy the backend database and the link the two backup copies together.

Hope it works out for you.
Richard