If I open the db from a shortcut on my desktop, The error msg "You do not
have the exclusive right..." will show up and I have to close it by ctrl alt
delete.  If I open Access first and click on the db shortcut, it works fine. 
The db shortcut also automatically opens Access first.  What makes the
difference?

Is it possible that the shortcut is trying to open the database exclusively?
Look at the shortcut's properties. Does it include /excl in the string?

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The property does not include the excl string.  The shortcut icon is simply
created from the file, right click and send to desk top.

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You'll get more help if you show the full text of each shortcut
involved; and the full text of the error you get.

HTH,
TC

I have the same problem.  I have narrowed it down to being because the
database has a custom menu bar or toolbar.  Try removing the custom
toolbars/menubars and it will work.  Unfortunately, in my case, the custom
toolbars and menu bars are very important to limit the functionality the user
has in the database.  I have developed a workaround but even it still has
issues.  If you create another access database that programatically opens a
new instance of access, opens the database in that new instance, then closes
itself, you will not get the error.  Then you could map your shortcut to that
database.  The problems I have had with this workaround, though, is the
launching database has been corrupted numerous times by users which creates a
lot of maintenance.  Let me know if you find a better solution.

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Personally, I can't see any way that the presence or absence of custom
toolbars or menubars would affect the error "You do not have the
exclusive right...[to open the database]".

That error is issued before the database has been accepted for opening;
before Access has even /looked for/ customizations such as startup
code, custom menus, & so on.

TC

access security turn off?
How to get access to prompt user id/password
How do I kick users off the database?
user level security again!!!
Disabled No permission to access to an object xxx.mdb
Opening a Connection with user level security enabled
MDW Files
USER-LEVEL SECURITY WIZARD
multiple user opening the same database at the same time
User-Level Security