Opening a previously secured database

5 Dec 2006 6:31 PM

Dan

We had an Access97 database with security that prompted for un/pw when
opening. We recently upgraded to Access 2000 and when we open the database
it does not prompt for un/pw it uses the un/pw that is logged into the
computer (I assume) The problem is we would always use the same un/pw for
this database and we can not log on to the computer with this un/pw, how do
we get the database to prompt for un/pw or can we turn the security feature
off so this is no longer an issue?

5 Dec 2006 6:54 PM

Joan Wild

Dan wrote:

> We had an Access97 database with security that prompted for un/pw when
> opening. We recently upgraded to Access 2000 and when we open the
> database it does not prompt for un/pw it uses the un/pw that is
> logged into the computer (I assume)

No it doesn't. It is using the standard system.mdw that ships with Access,
and silently logs you in as 'Admin'.

Since this works, your database was never secured properly to begin with.

> The problem is we would always
> use the same un/pw for this database and we can not log on to the
> computer with this un/pw, how do we get the database to prompt for
> un/pw or can we turn the security feature off so this is no longer an
> issue?

You can open 2000, create a new mdb and import all objects from the old mdb.
This new mdb will be completely unsecured.

--
Joan Wild
Microsoft Access MVP

7 Dec 2006 12:41 AM

Dan

Joan,
I guess I didn't explain the situation correctly. The problem is that I
can not open the database at all!!! I get a message that says I do not have
permission and need to either join the correct workgroup or several other
options (sorry I can't remeber the exact wording) I tried joining the work
group, but I am not sure which one to join and when I join the default one it
does not work.
I agree that the security was probably not used properly but it was done
before I was here, and we didn't have a chance to remove it before it was
upgraded. Is there anything else we can try????

Thanks,
Dan

7 Dec 2006 2:03 AM

Joan Wild

Well you need to join the correct workgroup. The best way to proceed is to
do a search for all *.mdw files on your computer. Create a desktop shortcut
with the following in the target
"path to msaccess.exe" "path to mdb" /wrkgrp "path to mdw"

Change the path to mdw part to each of the mdw files you find. One of them
is the correct workgroup file to use. You'll just have to try each one til
you find the correct one. Note that the correct mdw may be on the server,
and not on your computer.

If the default system.mdw isn't working then in all likelihood it was
secured properly. You need to locate the right mdw file.

--
Joan Wild
Microsoft Access MVP

Dan wrote:

Show quoteHide quote

> Joan,
> I guess I didn't explain the situation correctly. The problem is
> that I can not open the database at all!!! I get a message that says
> I do not have permission and need to either join the correct
> workgroup or several other options (sorry I can't remeber the exact
> wording) I tried joining the work group, but I am not sure which one
> to join and when I join the default one it does not work.
> I agree that the security was probably not used properly but it was
> done before I was here, and we didn't have a chance to remove it
> before it was upgraded. Is there anything else we can try????
>
> Thanks,
> Dan

7 Dec 2006 10:22 PM

Dan

I tried using the shortcut for each mdw I found, it did not work - I am still
unable to open the database becasue I am either...Not part of the correct
user group or do not have the proper prilievages selected.

Do I need to join the workgroup before I open the shortcut?

Also, I do not have administrator privelages on this comouter, will that
make a difference?

Thanks

Show quoteHide quote

"Joan Wild" wrote:

> Well you need to join the correct workgroup. The best way to proceed is to
> do a search for all *.mdw files on your computer. Create a desktop shortcut
> with the following in the target
> "path to msaccess.exe" "path to mdb" /wrkgrp "path to mdw"
>
> Change the path to mdw part to each of the mdw files you find. One of them
> is the correct workgroup file to use.   You'll just have to try each one til
> you find the correct one. Note that the correct mdw may be on the server,
> and not on your computer.
>
> If the default system.mdw isn't working then in all likelihood it was
> secured properly. You need to locate the right mdw file.
>
>
> --
> Joan Wild
> Microsoft Access MVP
>
> Dan wrote:
> > Joan,
> >   I guess I didn't explain the situation correctly. The problem is
> > that I can not open the database at all!!! I get a message that says
> > I do not have permission and need to either join the correct
> > workgroup or several other options (sorry I can't remeber the exact
> > wording) I tried joining the work group, but I am not sure which one
> > to join and when I join the default one it does not work.
> >   I agree that the security was probably not used properly but it was
> > done before I was here, and we didn't have a chance to remove it
> > before it was upgraded. Is there anything else we can try????
> >
> > Thanks,
> > Dan
>
>
>

7 Dec 2006 11:03 PM

Joan Wild

Dan wrote:

> I tried using the shortcut for each mdw I found, it did not work - I
> am still unable to open the database becasue I am either...Not part
> of the correct user group or do not have the proper prilievages
> selected.

Are you certain you have the shortcut right? If there is anything wrong
with the paths, it'll use the standard system.mdw.

> Do I need to join the workgroup before I open the shortcut?

No you don't, but that could be an alternate method. Join a workgroup; try
to open the mdb via Windows Explorer. If it doesn't work, join another
workgroup, etc.

> Also, I do not have administrator privelages on this comouter, will
> that make a difference?

Shouldn't.

--
Joan Wild
Microsoft Access MVP