Hi.
Firstly, I would SERIOUSLY make a point of using a test database for this kind of implementation, until you are totally and completely sure that it works properly.
You will have to create a module and a global function. This function can be called from a macro, so automation is possible.
1. Open MSDOS. If you have a network drive (lets say for example that your home directory is U: then go to U: and create a directory called "ScheduledTasks".
2. In this directory (in dos) type :
edit exportdb.bat
3. Now enter the following in :
"C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\Office2k\msaccess.exe" "U:\my databases\mydatabase.mdb" /excl /User Admin /x ConvAutomationMacro
and save it (note : that was all on one line. change the path for access if you need to. It should point to the msaccess.exe file of your access 2000 installation. Also, make sure that you have a user called Admin in your database). This msdos file is going to be your scheduled task once you have created the macro to export to the 97 version.
I am taking here that you have written the database in access 97 and need to convert to 2000. The problem is that you cannot use Access97 to convert to 2000, but you can use Access 2000 to convert to 97 (although the additional functionality attributed to Access 2000 will be lost!!!).
I am stating that you MUST use Access 2000 for development and convert your database down to 97 rather than the other way round.
If you have access to Access 2000 (no pun intended) then create a module in this database of which you speak and insert this function :
Public Function ConvDB97(Byval DestinationPath as string) as Boolean
Application.ConvertAccessProject _
SourceFilename:=(CurrentProject.Path & "\" & CurrentProject.Name), _
DestinationFilename:=DestinationPath, _
DestinationFileFormat:=acFileFormatAccess97
End Function
'-------------------------
... and save the module. That takes care of that.
Now for the macro.
create a new macro called ConvAutomationMacro.
Add a "RunCode", and for the function name: ConvDB97("fullpathnameofdestdatabase"
where fullpathnameofdestdatabase could be "C:\DBs\MyProj\MyDB97.mdb"
(havent tested, so wouldn't know if spaces would work (eg "C:\My Documents\My Database.mdb"
)
Also, Add a "Quit" after it (otherwise you will get the system on screen every time you return to work in the morning (unless thats what you want?!?)
Now save & close the database.
Now try running the batch file I gave earlier. It should
open the database, copy a new Access97 version to the destinationpath, and exit.
If it does then you can go to scheduled tasks in windows control panel and set it up to run the batch file at specific times. I do this all the time, and has saved me many nights of staying at work to do this, instead I just leave my machine on.
Hope this helps. If not, please let me know, I would be glad to be of assistance.
Mr Big.
