How do I go about making my database ... multiuser? 1

[Tasuki]

I have finished all the tables and forms for my database and everything is working great. Now to start inputting data, the problem is, I want more than one user to be inputting data at a time. When both users open up the database, one side is locked up and can't do anything.

The database will only be used by a max of 4-5 people... is there a simple way to do this?

 

[prontopronto]

Try using linked tables for the data tables, and installing copies of the database for each user...linked to one main data base.

 

[annsolomon]

Hi Tasuki. ProntoPronto is talking about "splitting" your database into two databases, a front-end and a back-end. The back-end should contain only your tables and reside on the server. The front-end should contain all of your queries, forms, reports, macros, and code.

Place a copy of the front-end database on each user's PC. Then, go to File, Get External Data, Link Tables to link the tables in your back-end to the front-end.

You could use the Wizard to do this if you like. Go to Tools, Database Utilities, Database Splitter.

 

[Tasuki]

Thanks, I will test to see if they don't lock up and let you know.

T

 

[Taij]

Does changing the Record Lock option in the form work as well? Changing the Record Lock Edited Records seems to help with this problem.

 

[Tasuki]

Just tested it, but it looks like it only allows a maximum of two users to access the back-end data. Is there a way to allow more than two users to access the data?

T

 

[annsolomon]

I'm assuming you split the database so your users are not likely bumping into one another.

Check to be sure that neither the front end nor back end are being opened with the Open Exclusive option.

Ann

 

[Tasuki]

This is located in the Options -> Advanced Tab... right? It is set at "Shared" & "No Locks", should I remove the [check] from "Open databases using record-level locking"?

Thanks,

T

 

[annsolomon]

Hi T. My email notification wasn't working for a while so I missed your latest post. Did you get this problem resolved? Did you split the database as I explained in my first post? Ann

 

[Tasuki]

Yes, I successfully split my database. But when I place the backend on the "Shared M Drive", and the frontend on three different computers to test if many users can access it, it always seems to be locked even if one user tries to access it.

One day it's accessible to everyone and working fine, the next, it's completely locked and you can only view the data. The only way for me to unlock it again is to delete everything from the M Drive and reupload a fresh one. But... it locks up the following day again.

Any ideas why this is happening?

Thanks,

T

 

[Taij]

Is it possible to add a flag to a record if that record is already opened by someone else?