How do you update db (ie. new forms) without deleting data?

[WhiteZiggy]

Question,

I have made databases, but never compiled them into exe except vb projects, which of course didn't contain the DB in them, just the connection strings.

If you compile your Access DB, how do you do the enhancements?

Won't upon install overwrite the previous db or is that an option to set?


Thanks,
Jeremy
WZ

 

[psemianonymous]

You must first 'split' your database into two parts:

Part 1: the "backend" - contains tables and all the data. This never should be compiled into an MDE.
Part 2: "Frontend" - contains table LINKS to the backend. Also contains all the forms, reports, queries, code, etc. This can compile to an MDE.

You can then, when you need to update the db, start with your saved MDB frontend, make changes, compile it back to an MDE, and update any copies of the frontend lying around. There are a million ways to do this. Here is a thread that describes about four ways: thread669-756758


Also. Don't compile the ONLY COPY of your DB. You (the developer/maintainer) always have to have a copy of the MDB so you can make changes.

 

[oharab]

It's worth pointing out that you can't compile an access DB into an exe. It's just not possible, so please don't ask!
What you can do is use the Office Developer's Edition and package your database with the runtime version of MS Access, which will let you install and run your database on machines that don't have access already installed.

Good luck.

Ben

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Ben O'Hara

http://www.RobotParade.co.uk

"Where are all the stupid people from...
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