Networking an Access database

[paul123456]

HI, i needed to know were i could get info on how to network an Access database. what i have is a datbase on a 2000 server comp and i want to be able to give my 20 clients access to a few forms. i would like them to read, delete and add entries. does anyone know were i could get this type of knowledge. i need to have this up and running in 2 weeks. Thanks, PAUL

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[pharcyder]

If you really want 20 users to access one database, you
should use a database server storing the data and just
link the tables to the Access frontend.
We are using Access 2000 as frontend and MS SQL-Server 2000 keeping the data and this works fine.
If you got enough money to spend on the license, buy
the SQL-Server software.

You then could use the Upsizing Wizard to migrate your Access DB to SQL Server (which is not the best way, but
If you are in a hurry...)

Just think over if you can afford a MS SQL Server license.


Second option should be just linking the tables in
Access. Copy the Database and delete all the tables (keeping the forms).
Relink the tables (right click .. link tables) with
a version of the Access DB keeping all the data.
This should work (very slow, though), but I can't guarantee.

Greetings from Germany,
Jens.

 

[paul123456]

hey jens how hard is it to set up sql server? do u think i can pull it off? how much do u think the whole project will be for licences and all. Thanks, PAUL

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NET+
MCP
MCSA

 

[pharcyder]

The setup should be as easy as every other server software installation... You only got to know, what to set up.
You should install the SQL-Server onto a server or good workstation available to everyone in the network (best: in one domain, separated by a firewall or else from the internet for security issue).

I can't tell you the price, cause there are different methods to license MS-products. And there are different version available, for your needs a SQL Server 2000 Standard should do, I think its about 5.000 $ per Processor.
Follow this link for further information directly from MS:

http://www.microsoft.com/sql/howtobuy/production.asp

And of course you need Access (97, better 2000) for every client.

This sound expensive in the first term, but think about the end product you have. It's fast, reliable (more reliable than other methods, i mean and upscalable. And I think 20 clients really require an DB-Server.

Well, look at the link (pricing) and decide if you or your company can afford this.

I sure can help you, my company is using the SQL Server 2000 Standard Edition with 30 Access 2000 clients connecting to 3 different databases on the server.

Greetings from Germany,
Jens