Disable Export and Import

Question

Hi All,

   Does anybody have an idea about how to prevent users from updating data directly through the linked tables? Please note the below:

* The BE is located on a shared folder available for all, no way i can hide it.

* The shift key is disbaled

* Users simply create a new database on desktop and press on External data, Import and link then they can connect to the tables and update critical data.

I hope i can find a solution for this problem that's considered a very bad weakness in Access.

Answer 1

You can make it harder, but with sophisticated users you can't make it impossible, unless you move the database back end data into another application (MS SQL Server, Oracle, etc.) with greater security control.

Add a form to the backend

One label on form : "You must access the data from the application"

Timer: Set to 5000  (five seconds or whatever your choice).  You could set it to 50 and close the backend immediately, but then you will need a way to reset the allow bypass property of the backend using an external application.

Timer event  code:  Application.Quit

Set the allow bypass property to not allowed (shift key disabled).  I would also create a back door to allow you to get in if needed.  Perhaps running code to enable the shift key when you double click on the label or maybe when click while holding down the shift key or control key.

Set the form to display on start up.

This will slow down person's trying to access the database directly.  They can still get in other ways - create their own front-end and access the data that way. 

You could also set a database password on the backend and then link to the backend with the database password in the connection string.

IF you really need to keep people out of the backend, then move the backend to MS SQL server or some other data store that you have greater security control over.

Answer 2

For more robust security, you'll have to migrate the backend to SLQ Server, as suggested by John Spencer.

Answer 3

I like this solution, but actually, but users are still able to press on "import data from access" then browse to get the FE then they will have the tables linked to the BE , as if no password had been detected !

I'd just if there's a solution that may prevent users from creating a new database on their PCs.

Answer 4

You can encrypt the backend with a password. Users will then need the password to import or link to the tables in the backend.

You will need to relink the tables in the frontend once. You'll be prompted for the password; this will then be remembered by the frontend.