Edit Database Path in an Installed .exe

[JNICHOLS]

I have a program that i wish to edit where the database is located. The purpose of this is to be able to install the software on multiple computers and share the same database. Possible?

Thanks in Advance
John Nichols

 

[mdmilner]

Assuming you're talking about an Access mdb and not an EXE (here)

First, store the path as a record/field in a table

Have the form that opens during startup look for the presence (vba) of a specific file on a common shared drive. If it finds it, it can read the file or go elsewhere for specific instructions on what actions to take (update)

Even with an Access mdb, this could be just about anything.

 

[JNICHOLS]

so what you saying is like a redirect in the database correct?

 

[mdmilner]

so what you saying is like a redirect in the database correct?

No - not a redirect.

What I am suggesting is this. On the startup forms' load event, insert code that goes out to a specific file location and looks for the existence of a file. If it finds it, go into another routine that:

1) Opens up a specific mdb file.
2) Opens a specific table and looks at the first record which might have something like "ChangeDefaultmdb" in the first field.
3) Read the contents of the second field
4) Write that field value into the clients' mdb file

You could use this for all sorts of changes, although it's easiest if you're changing values in tables, not attempting to re-write VBA modules via Code. All depends on what you anticipate and how universal you make your functions.
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In hindsight, I'm not sure you asked the question I thought you asked. I thought you may have had software installed on multiple machines and the backend database location had changed and you wanted to change that location in their files via code.

Suddenly I got the feeling that all you really asked is can you share a database file amonst multiple users.

Yes, Absolutely yes you can. Access has published specs that suggest it can handle quite a number of simultaneous users (40+). From what I've read (not done - might be important distinction), it may start to have speed problems with as few as a half dozen simultaneous users.

Mike