[RESOLVED] Database Location

[AceFlyer]

Hi All,

I wrote a VB6 program wherein I am storing a number of public variables in a very simple access database. My questions:

1. Once I distribute the program, how can I tell the program where the Access program is located in the end user's computer if I don't know in which directory the user installed Access.

2. What happens if the user does not have Access in their computer and my program calls Access? Will my program crash?

I appreciate your help.
Ace

[si_the_geek]

The answers to both of your questions could be very simple, but I'm afraid you havent given us enough information.

How are you connecting to the database? (eg: ADO code, DAO code, Data Control).

What code are you using (or if you are using a Data Control, what properties have you set)?

[AceFlyer]

The answers to both of your questions could be very simple, but I'm afraid you havent given us enough information.

How are you connecting to the database? (eg: ADO code, DAO code, Data Control).

What code are you using (or if you are using a Data Control, what properties have you set)?

Well right now, I only created the database but have not connected to it yet. I intend on using a data control though. The only reason I am using a database is so I can use crystal reports to create a report based on the user's data (I understand that is the easiest way to use Crystal). After the report is created, I would like the program to delete the data from the database because the information need not be saved.

I guess I'm just looking for something simple to make sure my program finds the end user's Access program and doesn't crash.

I really appreciate your help.
Ace

[si_the_geek]

Data controls are far from ideal, and will cause problems for at least one of your questions - see here for an explanation of why bound controls are bad.

I would recommend using ADO code instead (see the ADO Tutorial link in my signature for an example).

If you use that, your first question is solved by simply putting the path of the database into your connection string (probably using App.Path - which is the same folder as your program), and your second question is solved by installing MDAC (link below).

[Al42]

The only reason I am using a database is so I can use crystal reports to create a report based on the user's data (I understand that is the easiest way to use Crystal).

I find the easiest way is to create a disconnected (not connected to any database) ADO recordset and send that recordset to Crystal, regardless of whether the recordset gets filled from a database, a text file, user input or anything else.

[AceFlyer]

I find the easiest way is to create a disconnected (not connected to any database) ADO recordset and send that recordset to Crystal, regardless of whether the recordset gets filled from a database, a text file, user input or anything else.

Thank you all for the great replies. I'll get to work and I'm sure with your suggestions, it will work.

Thanks Again....
Ace

[GenocideOwl]

simply putting the path of the database into your connection string (probably using App.Path - which is the same folder as your program)

so how would I actually input that? right now it looks like this

cn.ConnectionString = "Provider=Microsoft.Jet.OLEDB.4.0;" & _
    "Data Source= C:\Documents and Settings\Owner\My Documents\BB\Congo VB\db1.mdb"

so how would I use the "App.Path"?
thanks

[si_the_geek]

By using simple string manipulation.

cn.ConnectionString = "Provider=Microsoft.Jet.OLEDB.4.0;" & _
    "Data Source=[u]" & App.Path & "[/u]\db1.mdb"

[GenocideOwl]

thanks