First, my apologies for bringing such an off-topic issue here. But, BAUT is the only board I'm currently semi-active in, and since I know there are a few programmers around, I thought I would give it shot.

A client/friend of mine uses an Access database in his business, and have severe performance problems (lock-ups, crashes) when many people work simultaneously. He asked me if I could convert it to an SQL database, but nevermind that for now.

Having very little experience with Access, but from what I understand, you define tables etc and then you can slap an interface + logic on it with Visual Basic (*shudders*). When I open the "application", Access gives me the interface but I can for the life of me not see where I can see the source or make any changes to it; it appears locked. My client says many different people have extended the application over the years, but he claims to have no other files.

I've looked for some quick overview of how "Access applications" of this kind are made up, but found nothing useful. Can someone see my problem here, and perhaps point me in the right direction?

I would strongly recommend an upgrade to SQL (especially if it is used as a web back-end).

Access can export a db as SQL. Try: Tools > database utilities > upsizing wizard.

As for applications, you need a VB editor to view the source code. You can launch an instance of the editor from the Access environment for macros, but you won´t be able to see the source for a compiled application.

A tutorial on VBA/Access: http://www.functionx.com/vbaccess/

Hope that helps.

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Thanks, Argos. I also found that "wizard", but haven't been able to investigate it. I don't run Windows, so I have to use VNC to a Windows box at my office, and that Access version don't have it installed (and it's hard to remotly give it the CD etc ).

It is not currently a web back-end, but maybe in the future.

Yeah, the file given to me seems to be "compiled", there is no menues etc. I suspected that, but wasn't sure, so I couldn't press my client to find the sources.

The tutorials seem good and I will read up on them, and hopefully I will get a grip on this Access mess.

Thanks again!

download openoffice.org and see if you can open it with the database program that comes with that. Then maybe you can dump the data and import it into a proper SQL database.

The problem isn't the data (that's easy), but the application built in Access. But I tried it before, OpenOffice Base failed to do anything useful to the file.

I put my hope to the "upsize to SQL" feature for now, but am unable to test it right away. Thanks anyway.

Without seeing the application itself I can't help much, but VBA works very similarly to VB where you create the application about the forms. Most of it is hidden in the background and not really accessible outside of them. Converting Access to MySQL or SQL server generally involves porting over the data and then reconstrusting the application with a new front end.

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Couple of points.
The lack of menu's etc does not mean that it is compiled. They are very easy to turn off actually. Given that you are using a VNC connection to a windows box I do not know if this will work or not but holding down the shift key while starting an access application will bypass the start up options. (though that is simple to disable as well.)

If the app is an exe file then it is compiled otherwise it is not. Given that you stated the app has multiple users then I am going to assume it is running on a client/server model. wherever the back end resides may well have a copy of the front end as well.

Personal sode note: Access can be a very robust platform for a small busines. Though it is not a great web back end. A well programmed Access (both front and back end) app can have 50 concurrent users and run pretty smooth. But, I am biased since I am a professional access developer. Access is alos a wonderful RAD tool. IMHO

Almost forgot to add www.dbforums.com has a wonderfull and helpfull base of users.

I've given up on Access. I was able to teach myself File Maker Pro (including scripts) without a manual, but Access just has me stumped - and with two books specialising on the subject.

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