Access 2010: open form without opening database

Question

Hello,

I have created a simple DB, with two simple forms for data input. I want the forms to be  for use by a variety of people for data input on different computers. I would like to be able to open one of the forms without opening the entire DB, so the form only is visualized. I do not want the data input people to have access to the DB . I am very new to Access and am in fact teaching myself as I go. I don't know anything about macros or code. Is there a somewhat simple way to accomplish this feat?

Thanks,

Jen

Answer 1

As Tom said an Access database is a container containing several objects; forms, tables, reports etc. You cannot open an object without providing access to the database. 

However, a multi-user Access database NEEDs to be split between a back end (the tables) and a front end (everything else). the back end is stored on a network share and the front end(s) given to each user. The front ends are linked to the tables in the back end.

And therein lies the solution to your problem. You can have multiple front ends, each linked to the same back end. These front ends can load JUST the form you want the users to use. The Nav Pane can be hidden and access to design elements restricted. All without using code.  You then install those restricted front ends to the users who will do data entry.

Answer 2

Hi Jen,

Keep reading about the fundamentals of Access. There is no way to open a form without opening a database, because forms are contained within a database. Fortunately that is not a problem: your fears about opening a database are misguided. Everyone is doing it :-)

Reading between the lines you have two types of users: dataEntry, and readOnly.

The simplest way I can think of is to provide two different shortcuts: one is the regular one, and one for readOnly that looks like this: [path_to]msaccess.exe [path_to]your.accde /readonly

More sophisticated treatment of different user types will require macros and/or VBA.

Very high levels of security require a different back-end, such as SQL Server.