SSW-Data PRO!

Assumptions

Most Microsoft Access developers use a 'split database' method to develop databases. There are 2 main reasons:

Performance across a Network

Easier to issue new versions to clients - without upsetting their data.

Therefore we make the following assumptions:

Your database consists of 2 main files the application mdb file and the data mdf file.

IMPORTANT:
If you are using a Visual Basic Front-End / "Application", you can use all the features of Data PRO! All that needs to be done is to create a blank *.mdb file and place it in your application directory. This file should be shipped with your application so that it can upgrade your backend if necessary.

The application files (including the application mdb file, bmps, icons, etc) are installed locally onto each users hard drive, eg their C: drive.

The data file is the only file that should be stored on the network drive, eg. F: drive.

Client Server Architecture

Note: To share a SQL Server database across a network, the data mdf file (eg. NorthwindDATA.mdf) must be moved to a network location that is accessible by everyone who wants to use the database. The 'data' database contains only tables and your data and other SQL Server generic objects. Most developers use a naming convention of the word data in this files name, to easily recognise it. A copy of the 'application' database e.g. NorthwindAPPLICATION.mdb is required on each computer to access the shared data. This file contains the queries, forms, reports and modules.

To serve as an example we have included a copy of NorthwindAPPLICATION.mdb - the sample database that comes with Microsoft Access 97 & 2000. The sample database files serve as an example and allow you to test 'SSW Data PRO!'.