Every Access database should be split into a front end and a back end. The front end will contain the queries, forms, reports, and modules. The back end will contain the tables.

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Why? I'll give three obvious reasons.

1. easier to make changes to the front end while others continue to enter data
2. more efficient when on a network (front end on workstation, back end on network)
3. makes it easier to have multiple copies of the data for testing, etc.

The easiest way to maintain the "pointers" from the front end to the back end are in two menu choices. The first is under the File menu, Get External Data, Link Tables. The second is under the Tools menu, Database Utilities, Linked Table manager. (when using Access 2000)

I have personally never had trouble with the "Link Tables" command. However, I have been at several clients where the "Linked Table Manager" does not work, and they do not know where their original CD is to do a re-install. They also were not sure where the back end was on their network.

Here is the trick I used to locate the back end.

1. look up the name of one of the main tables
2. use the Ctrl-G key combo to open the immediate window
3. type in something like this
   "? currentdb.tabledefs("tablename").connect"
4. press Enter

NOTE: All the VBA code segments on the Database Lessons site assume that you have DAO references active. If you are not sure what this means, and you are using Microsoft Access 2000 or higher, click here.

Happy Coding

 
Note: This web site dedicated to MS Access database users is an independent publication of Richard W. Killey and is not affiliated with, nor has it been authorized, sponsored, or otherwise approved by Microsoft® Corporation.
 

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