[RESOLVED] Compatiblitiy Question

[wes4dbt]

My VB6 app uses a Access 2003 database. I know that a clients machine does not need Access installed on it for the program to function correctly. But if a client has Access 2007 installed on their machine will that affect my program and what would happen if they open the database using Access 2007? I don't have 2007 so I can't test it.

Any help would be appreciated, Thanks

[RhinoBull]

Your application may be affected if you are automating MS Access - running reports, macros, etc...
However, if you use ADODB library to access (interact) data then it will not be affected as long as you include proper MDAC version in your distribution package.
Accessing data only requires JET engine but not MS Access aplication entirely.

[wes4dbt]

Rhino,
Thanks for the reply. Can the client open the database using Access 2007 without it affecting the 2003 format?

Thanks again

[RhinoBull]

Why would your client need to open your database? I wouldn't allow - only through the front end.

[si_the_geek]

If they do open it in 2007 they will probably be asked if they want to upgrade it to the 2007 format - if they do that then your program will not be able to connect to it.

As such, I would recommend the same as RhinoBull did.

[wes4dbt]

Rhino and Si,

I agree with your response and urge the client not to access live data, but the ability to access the database was part of the initial contract several years ago. The manager was an Access buff.

So, is it possible to open the 2003 database in Access 2007 without changing the format?

Thanks for the responses.

[si_the_geek]

It is, but there is a toolbar that says something like "some features are disabled, click here for options...", which presumably makes it easy (and very tempting) for them to do the conversion.

[MartinLiss]

Wow, at least for Mods there's a Compare Versions button that let's us see what it used to look like.

[wes4dbt]

Si and Martin,

Thats what I needed to know, thanks. I will be warning them of the bad things that could happen with playing in live data. My system makes it very easy to create a copy of the data and this is what they should use if they feel compelled to use the data outside of the application. I have a long relationship with this client and they understand if they corrupt the data they will have to pay to get it fixed.

Thanks Again

[RhinoBull]

Wow, at least for Mods there's a Compare Versions button that let's us see what it used to look like.

Marty,
did you reply to a wrong thread?

[MartinLiss]

Yes. I'm going to correct that now.

[RhinoBull]

Thanks.