Swamis . . .

I've successfully split my precious Access 2010 database, and my front end and back end are so far working just swimmingly. My question to you is . . . what are the proper steps to follow to add an additional table to the back end, and /or modify the existing back end tables without bringing down the wrath of the Creator upon the database?

Many Thanks!

MinnesotaPete

PS: Why isn't there a section on the board for split database questions? Thanks!
MP

Hi MP,



I think the forum you have selected is just fine. You could have also selected the Access Database Container, and it would still be fine, in my humble opinion.

As long as we're not talking about a web database, I think the safe steps to follow are:

1. Make sure no one else is using the database (FE and BE).
2. Open the BE in "Exclusive Mode."
3. Make any design changes needed.
4. Close the BE and open the "master" FE.
5. Link any new tables into the FE and add any new forms or features needed to access the new table.
6. Distribute the new FE (as ACCDE, if possible).

Just my 2 cents...

I'd just add one suggestion: if you make any design changes to an existing table in the backend (changing field types or sizes, adding a new field, changing indexes, etc.) it's probably wise to open the frontend; delete the link to that table; and use External Data... Access... Link to relink to the table. Access seems to "cache" some information about the backend table structure in the frontend, and you can get some wierd and hard-to-debug errors. Deleting and recreating the link may not always be necessary, but it's cheap insurance!

Hi MP,

You could do it automatically with this Back End Updater Utility.

Peter Hibbs.