Using access via a front end input page

[andy taylor]

Hi

sorry if my description does not completely describe what I need to do.

I have a very simple database set up in access with 5 tables. I want to use these 5 tables to get a user entering data. This is actually just response to simple questions.

The theory is that the user will not be confused by having access open and just see a page that directs them via validation rules as to what question is asked next. i.e if one questions is yes them it might miss out two others etc.

To start I am going to have just one user on a stand alone PC with little or no access to install more programs. It is also highly likely the PC in question will not have access installed so my solution must be stand alone.

I have been told to look at VB but learning access is hard enough in itself.

I have written the form and questions in HTML but I need a server to get that method to work, which fine at home but not where I need this stahnd alone solution.

Is this possible or am I aiming to high to start with??

Thanks in advance

[andy taylor]

Do I need to try and add clarity to my request?

Does any one understand what I am actually asking?

Thanks in advance

[NeoPa]

Andy,

The question is reasonably clear but I had to make some guesses in determining what you are after. If I understand you correctly, you are a web developer wanting to use Access as a back-end for your web application. This is certainly possible.
Without specific Access questions though, we are not the best team to help you. How to connect to an Access back-end is probably best asked in one of the web based forums but I suspect we have people here too who maybe able to help with that if that's what you need. Otherwise I don't see much to answer.
Certainly specific questions are much easier to deal with than general ones.

[andy taylor]

Ah so I was not clear enough.

I am actually a self taught jack of all but master of non.

My current role is to show a programmer EXACTLY what I think we need so they can then develop my visual idea into a working program.

For example I write something using HTML and then they will enhance it and get it ready for the INTRANET in corporate colurs and using XHTML.

In this particular instance I am trying (for my very first go using access) :) to try setting up a simple data base so we can start collecting data on a stand alone machine that does not even have access running on it.

I have created a single page version which is too busy.

I have this morning stumbled across how to make a tabbed form so I now have it in 6 sections .

My main goal is to try and make a program/something/database that will run on a stand alone machine running windows and collect data when the girsl input it.

I would like to try and make it idiot proof so it just looks like a form/page without the access database controls at the foot of the page and the tool bars across the top.. Hence my description of a front end.

I really mean a front page that hides access from the data inputter.

In this instance the girsl can collect data for some months while the programmers are developing more important tools BUT when they get round to adapting the main applications (corporate data base, oracle I think) this data can be added hopefully but if not it can still be used for analyse of data locally.

In simple terms you click something on the computer. It gives you a page to start inputting the answers to questions you are asking people on the phone and then you just click a finish button and it allows you to start again.

Sorry I confused you by mentioning HTML and saying I had written the questions. I was trying to say I COULD have used that method if I was at home with access to my servers but not in this instance.

Having never used ACCESS its some very very basic pointers (tutorials) I am in need of but knowing me I am trying to run before I can walk :)

Thanks for your time again

[NeoPa]

I'm afraid I can't help much with this, but I do know there are various experts that keep a list of links to helpful sites for tutorials etc. I'm better at handling specific questions myself.
I suggest that you will probably get more than you need if you post a thread with a title of (or similar to) "Tutorials Required" with a brief explanation of where you are and what you hope to develop into. You could also check out Access and VBA Tutorials to see if anything there can help in your quest.

[barry07]

Sound to me like you need an Access form which will comprise the user interface and will connect to the tables in the background so look at the Access documentation about forms.

There is no possibility of running this on a machine that does not have access installed - unless you want to write a lot of VB code and do clever stuff with ODBC.
However you can compile your access database into an mde, which means all design features are disabled. Even better - if you have Access Developer you can install a royallty free run-time version which doesnt allow users to see the database tables at all.

[andy taylor]

Thast last option sounds like what I ned mate thanks.

I would like to be able to do a bit of VB but I cant locate any decent very basic tutorials.

I might do what has been suggested above.

Cheers for your time

[NeoPa]

No problems Andy.
I hope you find what you're looking for :)

[ADezii]

Ah so I was not clear enough.

I am actually a self taught jack of all but master of non.

My current role is to show a programmer EXACTLY what I think we need so they can then develop my visual idea into a working program.

For example I write something using HTML and then they will enhance it and get it ready for the INTRANET in corporate colurs and using XHTML.

In this particular instance I am trying (for my very first go using access) :) to try setting up a simple data base so we can start collecting data on a stand alone machine that does not even have access running on it.

I have created a single page version which is too busy.

I have this morning stumbled across how to make a tabbed form so I now have it in 6 sections .

My main goal is to try and make a program/something/database that will run on a stand alone machine running windows and collect data when the girsl input it.

I would like to try and make it idiot proof so it just looks like a form/page without the access database controls at the foot of the page and the tool bars across the top.. Hence my description of a front end.

I really mean a front page that hides access from the data inputter.

In this instance the girsl can collect data for some months while the programmers are developing more important tools BUT when they get round to adapting the main applications (corporate data base, oracle I think) this data can be added hopefully but if not it can still be used for analyse of data locally.

In simple terms you click something on the computer. It gives you a page to start inputting the answers to questions you are asking people on the phone and then you just click a finish button and it allows you to start again.

Sorry I confused you by mentioning HTML and saying I had written the questions. I was trying to say I COULD have used that method if I was at home with access to my servers but not in this instance.

Having never used ACCESS its some very very basic pointers (tutorials) I am in need of but knowing me I am trying to run before I can walk :)

Thanks for your time again

If I read you correctly, what you are looking for are Data Access Pages which will will allow you to display and/or edit data provided by either Jet or SQL Server in the context of a Web Page. Correct me if I am mistaken.