Updating my client database

[Gigatech]

Hi, I use D7 with MS-Access

I installed my application and database in my client computer.

After that, I made structural changes in my database (add fields, create other indexes, rename fields, etc).

I want to update my client application with those changes. What is the best way to apply the changes on database without make the changes again in the client database?. If it is possible I want to make the changes by code, so the user can apply easyly (I don´t want the user open Access, go to ... , etc )

Best regards.

 

[buho]

Sorry, Im lost.

You want to make changes in a MDB to conform it to your application (say: you want to "tweak" an existent MDB to adapt it to your app)?

Clarify me the point, please; I think I can help you.

buho (A).

 

[Gigatech]

Basically, I want to compare the structure of two Access Databases and "reconcile" them. If I made changes like add fields, rename them or change the type of a field, I want those changes apply to the second database

Thanks.

 

[buho]

K.

You can make it in the "technically correct" way; that is reading a lot of obscure material about ADO and writing code to make the structural changes in the MDB you want to "tweak". Be warned you are opening the gates of hell itself: the documentation is scattered, poorly written and have a lot of errors. Some years ago I've tried and gave up (very rare thing I surrendering).

IMO, the best way is creating an empty MDB with the structure you want and packing it with a program written to copy data from the original MDB (the one you want to tweak) to the empty one.

The user enters the original MDB name and the program a) copy the data from the original MDB to the new one making the needed conversions, b) saves the original MDB with other name and c) renames the new MDB like the original.

HTH.
buho (A).

 

[Gigatech]

It´s a good idea, but, what is the best way to copy data from the original to the empty?

I´ve thinking to do something like that (using a query):

insert into empty_table select * from original_table

What happen with AutoIncremental Fields?, does it change or it conserves its original values?

Thanks a lot.

 

[buho]

Autoincremental fields will change.

For this type of work (db reconversion) I use datasets and make it record by record (you have better control and you can keep the master/detail tables synchronized in "real time").

buho (A).