Referencing a database without Access installed

[JTBorton]

Is it possible to attach an access database file to an excel workbook, for example in a office binder, that the workbook can pull information from even if the user does not have access installed on thier computer?

-JTBorton
Another Day, Another Disaster

 

[PHV]

HAve you tried to use MS-Query ?

Hope This Helps, PH.
FAQ219-2884
FAQ181-2886

 

[JTBorton]

Doesn't that require an SQL server? I really don't know much about MS-Query, but if it requires setting one of those up then it's out of my league.

-JTBorton
Another Day, Another Disaster

 

[PHV]

Doesn't that require an SQL server?
????

 

[JTBorton]

Well, I looked up MS-Query on the microsoft MSDN and this is what it told me.

Access 2003 Runtime is, in essence, Microsoft Access 2003, but with a few key features disabled. A user with Access 2003 Runtime installed instead of full Access can open and run an Access application (either an MDB file or, with a few extra steps, a SQL Server back-end database) but does not see the Database Window and cannot switch the view of any Access object to Design view.

http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/aa167800(office.11).aspx

I guess I read it a little fast and didn't see the OR before the comma.

Okay so bear with me, great and wise PHV, I'm not the brightest crayon in the box. If I understand correctly, as long as I don't try to run any fancy shmancy Access abilities, I can simply open the database in the background to read and write from the data? Does this require any special patch or will Windows already do it?

-JTBorton
Another Day, Another Disaster