Recently Split Database

[csolomon]

Hello:

I recently split my database. I emailed the FE to users. I wanted to know, if and when I need to make a change to it or add another piece to it, how would I go about updating the DB, through my local FE or the BE, which only holds the tables? I have a app that i've been working on and when I finish, I plan to merge it to my DB...how can I accomplish it now that the DB is split?

Thanks!

[ChipR]

The usual way will be to create a new version of the FE, email it, and tell users to replace their old FE with this new one. Make sure you use a backup copy of the backend for any work you do on the frontend!

[csolomon]

OK, so I need to make a back up of my back end.
I make changes on the front end. If I need to add tables, I add them to the BE and add the forms and queries to the FE, then re-link the tables in the FE?

[ChipR]

RIght. Then you can just copy the new tables from the backup BE to the actual BE at the same time that you start using the new FE.

[csolomon]

when you say 'back up backend' what do you mean? I don't have a back up backend...what I did was make a copy of the original DB and import tables from that to a new DB. I then deleted all of the tables from the original DB and made the the FE...and distributed that. So inessence, I would be making the changes to the original DB and re-making the FE for distribution?

[ChipR]

Don't do any work on your FE while it's connected to your live data in the BE. It's not worth the risk. Put a copy BE somewhere and relink the tables in your FE to that. When you are ready to release, make a backup of the live BE, then update the live BE and relink the FE to it and distribute.

[Dan2kx]

I created some code to check a hard coded variable against a table value, followed by a batch file that writes itself and pulls the new version down, if you wish i will post.

Dan

[NeoPa]

when you say 'back up backend' what do you mean?

Back up - make a copy of.
Backend - BE database.

Essentially, the suggestion is to make a copy of the BE database and develop your changes in the FE database such that it uses the backup copy of the BE rather than the live version.

I think that's what's meant. Correct me if I misconstrue.

[csolomon]

Back up - make a copy of.
Backend - BE database.

Essentially, the suggestion is to make a copy of the BE database and develop your changes in the FE database such that it uses the backup copy of the BE rather than the live version.

I think that's what's meant. Correct me if I misconstrue.

OK. So I have been working on the BE copy to do some developing. I was wondering when it's time for me to transfer those changes to the main FE, how would I go about doing that? Importing the forms from my local FE to the main FE?

Also, each of my users use certain forms. I was wondering if I could customize each FE based on what the user should see.

Thanks

[NeoPa]

I suggest we stick with the original question, at least until it is clear that it's resolved. This thread is already getting confusing with questions going off in various directions.

I think that a question on how to design your database(s) in an FE/BE setup with your specified restrictions is not something for this thread at all.

[csolomon]

I was just trying to get some clarification on my original question...I'll post the other half in a new thread.

[NeoPa]

I'm not trying to be difficult. A confusing thread is one that's less likely to get further help is all.

In your position I'd consider replying to Dan's last post about some stuff he's already developed. I suspect that may be quite useful to you.

[csolomon]

I created some code to check a hard coded variable against a table value, followed by a batch file that writes itself and pulls the new version down, if you wish i will post.

Dan

Hi Dan,

If I understand what you said, you have a program that updates all of the FE's without my having to resend them when I update? I think this may be useful to me. I would appreciate if you posted.

Thanks,

csolomon

[Dan2kx]

Hi, the following code which (for me) runs on startup

Function VersionCheck() As Boolean
Dim VN As Integer, meVN As Integer, fn As String, MDEfn As String
    VN = DMax("Version", "tblVersion")
        'DoCmd.RunSQL "UPDATE tblVersion SET tblVersion.Version = " & VN + 1 & ";"
    MDEfn = """" & DLookup("MDEfn", "tblVersion", "Version = " & VN) & """"
    meVN = 2
    If VN <> meVN Then
    VersionCheck = True
    MsgBox "The version you are currently using has been superseded by another;" & vbCrLf & _
            "The program will close and retrieve the latest version before continuing.", vbCritical, "Program Update Available..."
        fn = FolderFromPath(CurrentDb.Name) & "Update.cmd"
        Open fn For Output As #1
        Print #1, ":CheckLoop1"
        Print #1, "Copy " & MDEfn & " " & """" & CurrentDb.Name & """" & " / y "
        Print #1, "If ErrorLevel 1 GoTo CheckLoop1"
        Print #1, """" & CurrentDb.Name & """"
        Print #1, "Del " & """" & fn & """" & " /f"
        Close 1#
    Call Shell(fn, 1)
    DoCmd.Quit acQuitSaveAll
    End If
End Function

Public Function FolderFromPath(strFullPath As String) As String
    FolderFromPath = Left(strFullPath, InStrRev(strFullPath, "\"))
End Function

I have a linked table "tblVersion ", that stores a number which can be changed obv. and the path to the updated file, mde/mbd. this function holds a hard coded value (to be changed on new release), if the values dont match then the function writes a batchfile, closes access and the batch runs. it is very crude and has the potential for error (because of the loop, but you could put a counter in) but i like it.
i hope this is clear and can help you,

[NeoPa]

That's kinda neat Dan :)

I have a similar one in a spreadsheet that saves only one of the sheets to a new file and FTPs the file to a server. Never done it in Access before though.