creating a executable only version of a database created in access 2016 (.accde file) running Office365plus

Question

How do I create  an executable only version of a database created in access 2016 (.accde file) running Office365plus.  I am an old access programmer and have been retired for over 10 years.  I am donating my time to create an Access application to automate management of emergency response teams dues to the extreme flooding in south Louisiana.

In my old version of Access 2007 there was a menu option to create a runtime version of the database.  Is there something like that in Access 2016.  If so, I can't seem to find it.

Greatful for you help.  Thanks

Answer 1

There is no such thing as an "executable only version" of an Access database.  To run/open/use and Access database one must have either the full version of MS Access or the freeruntime versioninstalled.

Now, if you are wanting to create an installation package, you are probably thinking of the Packaging Solution Wizard (PSW), but this was removed as of Access 2013.  This said, there are a number of alternatives that you can learn a little more about by going to: http://www.devhut.net/2014/06/04/ms-access-package-solution-wizard-is-dead-now-what/

You mention (.accde file).  If this is what you are after, this is still possible.  This is known as a compiled version and Access locks down certain elements of the database (forms, reports, VBA).  To convert an accdb into an accde: File -> Save As -> Make ACCDE -> Save As

If none of the above is what you are referring to, please post back with more details.

Answer 2

How do I create  an executable only version of a database created in access 2016 (.accde file) running Office365plus.  

You don't! Access has NEVER had the ability to create a stand alone executable. An ACCDE is not an executable. It is a compiled version that still requires an Access license to run it. the two main purposes of an ACCDE is to protect the design of the app and to speed it up a bit. The ability to convert to an ACCDE is where it has been since 2007, in the Save and Publish option under File.

There has also never been "a menu option to create a runtime version" of the app. Microsoft has, for many versions, provided a freely distributed Runtime version. You can download this version by doing a search on Access xxxx Runtime, where xxxx is the Access version (2016, 2013, etc.). After downloading this file it can be installed on any PC that doesn't already have a full Access license. It can then be used to most any Access app (mdb, mde, accdb, accde). 

There is a special Access extension (mdr, accdr). An Access app with on of these extension will force a full license installation to run the app as if it were a runtime. This is mostly a developers tool for testing how the app will look when run with a Runtime license. To create a file with such an extension you simply rename the file. There is no menu option to save as an accdr.