Searching read-only database

[Auriga]

We are trying to set up a diary of activity for one of our departments that is searchable for all activity relating to a particular day/person/order number/product etc.

Following help from people on the board and searching other threads, we set up a data-entry form in Excel linked to an access database using the template wizard. We are using Access not Excel for the database to avoid data conflicts if more than one user is entering information at aby one time.

The data needs to be protected and cannot be edited once it has been entered. However, if we protect the Access form we use to view the data the searches in filter by form do not work.

Our users are not experienced in Access, so is it possible to see the data in read-only format in Excel using the autofilter function to search for records?

All suggestions are gratefully received, as we are only just learning how to use Excel and Access to their full extent. There may be a simpler way to do this that we have missed.

Thank you! This is our third attempt to get this to work properly.

 

[Norie]

Why not just use Access?

You can create forms, queries etc that can be as user friendly as you want.

You can also retsrict the users access to the actual data.

 

[Auriga]

We don't really mind what format the results are viewed in, so long as they are searchable and read only.

We had a problem with searching the data in Access - when we set the form view to read only then the searches would not work.

 

[Norie]

How are you setting the form view to read only?

 

[Auriga]

Thanks for the quick reply - sorry that the questions we are asking are probably so simple.

In the design view.
Form Properties:
Allow filters - yes
Allow edits - no
Allow deletions - no
Allow additions - no
Allow data entry - no

This seems to be exactly what we want, but when you go back to the data view it goes blank!

 

[Auriga]

We also tried using the "record locks" on the properties too, and that didn't work either.

Maybe it is us that is doing it wrong!