Unable to Use Switchboard Manager in a Project (adp) 1

[martybenner]

I created a simple Access mdb at home, with a few forms and a few reports and a menu using the Switchboard Manager for a simple user interface. When I got to work, I moved the data to SQL Server 2000 because several people will be using it. When I tried to make modifications to the switchboard, however, I found that the switchboard manager is no longer available. I figured out that I can go in and manually modify the switchboard items table to make changes in the switchboard, but it is more cumbersome than using the switchboard manager.

Is there a workaround to enable the switchboard manager when using a project rather than an mdb?

 

[chloec]

Build the switchboard properly, not using the pain in the back side wizard which if the application is not thoroughly documented is very difficult for a developer unfamiliar with it to decipher.

 

[Draknor39]

I also had this problem. It's a little bit of work, but If you are motivated enough you can write your own switchboard manager.

I recently did this myself. If you want a copy of mine post here that your interested and I'll make it available for you.

One warning however, my version utilizes a 10 button switchboard instead of the normal 8 button. It also does not create the initial form. This really isn't a problem since you can just create one in a normal MDB file and copy it over to your adp database. Of course if you use my Switchboard Manager you will need to reprogram the form to use 10 buttons instead of 8. Just to make it easier for you, I'll give you my switchboard form alread modified to use my system.

Hope this helps.

 

[martybenner]

Draknor39, thank you for your offer. I would like to have your form and program if you are willing to share it. Thanks so much for your help!

 

[streeker]

I would also like to have your form and program if possible.

 

[Draknor39]

You can download my switchboard version here:

http://home.ripway.com/2004-2/78491/Switchboard Manager/

Please note, that this is only intented for ADP files linked to SQL Servers. For this to work you must run sql scripts I included to create the necessary Stored Procedures and you must have a Table Called [Switchboard Items] on your SQL Server. The Table layout is the exact same as what Access uses in MDB Databases.

Also note this is very basic code that I wrote on a two hour flight. No error handeling is included and very limited comments. I wasn't intending to publish this and haven't cleaned it up for distribution. What you see is what you get. But it's definately better than changing your switchboard through direct table modification.

Limited E-Mail support is offered. E-Mail address is included in zip file at above link.

Post here if this helps either of you.

 

[martybenner]

Draknor--

Thanks for sending me your switchboard manager. I have followed your directions and done the following:
--put the [Switchboard Items] table in SQL Server
--created all the stored procedures (7 of them)
--imported the Forms and the modCommon module into the ADP database.

I did get an error in creating some of the stored procedures, however. In your files, you referenced a field named "ID". I changed these to "SwitchboardID", which is the only thing I could think to do--so it would match the field name in the [Switchboard Items] table. Is there a different object that "ID" references?

When I tried to open the form, "Switchboard Manager," I got an error, "Invalid column name, ID." I'm sure these two problems are linked. Here's the structure of my [Switchboard Items] table:

SwitchboardID int 4
ItemNumber smallint 2
ItemText nvarchar 255
Command smallint 2
Argument nvarchar 255

Thanks for any help you may be able to provide!

Marty

 

[martybenner]

This switchboard requires that the field ID be created in the [Switchboard Items] table as an identity (key) field. Then it works great!

Thanks so much for your help!

Marty

 

[Draknor39]

I forgot that I added that field to the Switchboard Items Table. Thanks for catching my error Marty and I'm glad it's working for you!

 

[martybenner]

Just a note about the switchboard--it is set to close once an option is selected from the menu. On Draknor's advice, I created a macro to use in all my other forms and reports so that once they are closed, the switchboard will open again. It works great!

Thanks again for helping me with a great solution to my problem.

Marty