I have a database .mdb that was created by someone who no longer works here. I have been tasked with creating a new database for our needs, but I need to retrieve some info from the old database. I have permission as well as a couple of other users, however, no one is able to open it. We get the message that "you do not have permission" even though we supposedly do. Any ideas?? Any help is appreciated. Thanks.
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If it is a Windows permission problem, you should be able to right click on the file and select properties then go to the Security tab and see if you or your group are listed.
If it is a permissions problem within the database, then try holding the shift key when you double click to open the file. This will prevent any macros (and I believe VBA code as well) from running. You should at least be able to get into the database that way. -
Thanks for your reply. I have actually tried both of those and still get the same results. With the Windows permissions. I have full control and have even been able to take ownership, but it still will not let me in. I have tried holding SHIFT while opening and get the "do not have permission" message.Comment
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Could you show us a screenshot of the messagebox you are receiving? Might be a bit simpler to determine if its a custom messagebox or a windows one.
Are you running the .mdb from the same location as it was originally located? If not, try to look in the original location for other access files, specifically I believe its called a mdw (Its a file access creates to invoke user level security, and is kept seperate from the main db). I have never used it myself, thats why I can't remember the correct extension. Your problem does sound like something that might occur if the db cannot file the security file.Comment
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post message
Using the file explorer
Browse to the directory of the file.
Right click on the file and check the security on the file itself. I often restrict at the file level if I have an old file still in the folder.
Also check both the folder and parent folder for security.
If you have privlages to the file etc... then:
Can you please take a screen-shot of the error message when it pops up (Win7 has the snipping tool that works great or you can do a [Print Screen] then <ctrl-v> into paint.
If you use prt-scrn and paint, please crop the picture down to just the message box as we don't need the whole screen
Save as a jpeg or gif
Post the picture in this thread by:
Click [Advanced]
Click [Manage Attachments]
Use the window that opens to [Browse] to the picture
[Upload]
[Close....]
You should be back at your posting.
[Submit...]
I also need the current version of Access you are using;
If possible the version of Access the database was created with; and
The version of the operating system you are currently using.Comment
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Re:
In the folder with the DB is a file with a MDW extension. I have tried opening from its original location (which is on a server), as well as copying the files to my local machine and trying to run from there with no luck either way. I am using MS Access 2007, I think the DB was created with MS Access 2000. I have XP Pro on my computer. Thanks for your help. Let me know if you need any other info.Comment
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Using a different MDW workgroup file from the stock.
Ok,
You will need to try and open the file using the MDW in that folder.
The complete theory is at: Understanding the role of workgroup information files in Access security it's dry reading; however, before you start you should skim thru it.
The part you need is:
Following the above example make the shortcut with the pathe following the /W to point to the mdw in the folder with the database.(...) To start a secured Access database named MyApp.mdb in a folder named MyAppFolder with the workgroup information file used when establishing security on MyApp.mdb, the command-line syntax must include the /WrkGrp command-line switch, for example:
"C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\Office\M SAccess.Exe" "C:\MyAppFolder \MyApp.MDB" /wrkgrp "C:\MyAppFolder \System.MDW"
You can create a shortcut and enter this syntax as the target of the shortcut.
There are some other ways around these MDW files too; however, lets start with the easy path... and cross your fingers.
>>>EDIT>>> If this works, you will still need the admin or some username and password to actually log into the database. <<</EDIT<<<Comment
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Thank you so much! I got in and I thought my boss was going to kiss me! Now that I am in, how do I disable user security? I tried going through the database tools but could not find anything there. With the MDW file, is the security handled through a query or something? I have never been this deep in MS Access before so I appreciate the help!Comment
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I tried exporting from the DB, but because security was still enabled and no one seems to have the password it would not let me do a full export. However, I discovered that I could export each table, form, etc one at a time into a new DB. It took some time, but I was able to essentially copy over the DB. Now all we have to do is some tweaking instead of building from scratch. Thank you for your help, I could not have done it without you!Comment
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Good to hear you got it working. We are happy to help.Comment
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My pleasure.
Glad you got things coppied.
One other way to have done that was to go back into file save as and select the newest 2007 file format.
It WILL strip all of the security when going to the new file format. YOu might get asked for a pw.
To remove the database security you need to go thru the user management.
I'm at a temp terminal so I don't have that information infront of me for V2007 however, I beleave that it is under the database tools and shows up ONLY for mdb databases that have security enabled... you will still need an admin user and password.Comment
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