Multiple database security 1

[hanosm]

We have multiple databases in our office that were created in Access 97. There are various databases that do various things, and different users need different permissions for each database.

What I have done so far is create a different .mdw for each database, but I'm not sure that this is the correct way of doing things. The different databases all appear to be secure, but everytime somebody wants to use a different database they have to change the workgroup using Wrkgadm.

For example, we have a basic Contacts database and also a HR database. Everyone in the office has basic rights to the Contacts database, but only a select few have access to the information in the HR database. So, the select few have been joined to HRdatabase.mdw which requires them to enter a username and password, whereas everyone else is joined to Contacts.mdw (which doesn't require the user to log on).
I am in the process of creating another database that stores order information. This database will have another group of users that are able to view the information, but nobody else can.

Should I be using ONE .mdw file and not several different ones? I'm at a loss.

 

[jumanji24]

You need not create a separate MDW like ONE.mdw.
All you can do is create separate Desktop shortcuts for each Database with the corresponding security file. Change the Target in Shortcut Tab of the Desktop Shortcut Properties to C:\Office97\Office\msaccess.exe <Database Path for MDB file> /wrkgrp <Database Security File Path for MDW file>

Hope this helps you.

 

[hanosm]

Many thanks for the post, although I'm not quite sure I understand what i'm supposed to be doing.

In the shortcut I have to specify the filepath for the security file, afetr the "/wrkgrp" instruction. That bit I understand. This will mean that I don't have to manually use the wrkgadm programme to change the workgroup file.

But do I need a separate Wokrgroup Information file for each database, e.g.

HR Database -> HRDatabase.mdw
Contacts database -> Contacts.mdw
Orders Database -> Orders.mdw
etc.

or should I be using one Workgroup Information file (e.g. Organisation.mdw) for all the databases (if this is possible)?

Many thanks again!

Hanif

 

[johngalt69austin]

One workgroup file should be sufficient for all databases as long as you are useing a command line in the sortcut to specify the location. For example:

"C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\Office10\MSACCESS.EXE" "Q:\Austin Site\QA Austin\Copy of Receiving Inspection Log.mdb" /wrkgrp "Q:\Austin Site\QA Austin\Secured.mdw"

This shortcut will rounte a user to their access program, through your database, and through your workgroup file. After it is setup you use the one workgroup file for all databases and simply change the command line name/location. The rest of it can be handled through user level/group level security.

 

[hanosm]

Thanks John. Have a star!