Unable to access database (Access03)

[Fay Yocum]

I have created a database that the tables link to another database. If the database that holds the tables is open only I can open the second database. Both databases are on the server. The first database is in a hidden folder, I don't know if that matters I wouldn't think so. Thank you. Fay

[HansV]

Make sure that all users have modify permissions (read/write/create/delete) in the folder containing the frontend database (the one with the forms etc.) and also in the folder containing the backend database (the one with the tables).
I'm referring to permissions in Windows, not to permissions within Access itself. If the folder permissions aren't set correctly, Access will allow only one user at a time, because it cannot create/modify the .ldb file in which it keeps track of who is using the database.

[HansV]

That is OK, and it is also OK if one or both folders are hidden. The essential point is that all users must have modify permissions on both of the folders.

[Fay Yocum]

Thanks Hans. I have the table database in a subdirector of the folder that holds the other database. Is that permissable? I am now getting a message saying that the database is in a state of by User Admin preventing it from being opened or locked. Fay

[HansV]

Another point: if you open a database, then start modifying the design of a database object such as a form, you will lock out all other users until you close the database. Starting with Access 2000, Access doesn't allow multiple users if the design of the database is being modified.
If you are sure that nobody is using the database, and yet there still is a .ldb file in the same folder, try deleting the .ldb file.

[Fay Yocum]

Everyone has full access to the folder. Now when they click a button for a report I get the error message "Can not update database or object is read-only." There is also a message when they open the database about it being read only. Fay

[HansV]

Grasping at straws now - have you made sure that neither of the .mdb files is read-only? Right-click a file in Windows Explorer and select properties in the popup menu to see if the read-only check box is ticked.

[Fay Yocum]

I had already looked at that and it wasn't a read only. BUT, I went to the base database that stores the tables. That database was listed as read only. I have corrected that, but will need to wait until tomorrow to see if that solves the problem. Thanks for the help. Fay

[GARYPSWANSON]

Fay,

Back to the permissions side if your last fix does not work (although it sounds as if it should). I have run into instances when folders on the network are in a tree structure. Even though the permissions in the current folder where the database resides allows read and write access or even full access, the permissions on a parent folder did not. The permissions on the parent folders took precedence over the children and caused the issue. The fix was to create a new folder with full access and put the database or BE there as it seems our parent folders permissions are constantly being changed. Also check the specific user group permissions if you log in as part of a group on the network.

Don't you just love network security....

[Fay Yocum]

No.

I found one issue with not having full security, but I still can't get this one machine to accept. I keep getting a message saying it is a read only file. But once the database opens she has the database's cooperation on must areas. There is one tab page that every button click leads to a can't update database or object message. So why would some work and others not? It is a mystery to me.

Thanks. Fay

[ELB01]

Hi Fay,
Just a shot in the dark. We had this happen to a shared database that ran Perfectly for 5 years. We traced the culprit to an installation of Adobe Acrobat 7.0. I believe if this is the problem the latest Acrobat update will fix it.