Microsoft Access db files stored in cloud

Question

I have numerous accdb files on a Windows server in my office. I also use Office 365 Business and SharePoint. The databases size ranges up to 1 Gb. I am going to switch over to Azure Active Directory and dump the old server and want to access these database files from a (new) cloud location since there won't be any server in my office. I have experimented with my personal cloud in Live.com and that works; but this is not ideal for business us. I tried uploading a database into a SharePoint site document folder and it failed. What are my cloud storage options if I want to stick with the Access desktop database program?

Carl

Answer 1

Hi Carl,

In your case, you may create a custom web app to see if it works. Below are the steps:

1. Open the Access 2013 or 2016 client.
2. Select custom web app.

    3. Set the web location as your Team site URL and click Create.

      4. Select Access under Create a table from an existing data source.

        5. On the next page, browser to your local Access and click OK.

        6. On the import objects window, select all and OK.

        7. All objects will be imported to SharePoint Online.

         Here is an article for your reference.

If the steps above don’t work, we’d like to collect the following information for clarification:

 1. Is there any error message when you fail to upload the files? A screenshot is preferred.

 2. Does it happen to all Access Database files?

 3. What Office 365 subscription do you have?

Best Regards,

Rodney

Answer 2

I have numerous accdb files on a Windows server in my office. I also use Office 365 Business and SharePoint. The databases size ranges up to 1 Gb. I am going to switch over to Azure Active Directory and dump the old server and want to access these database files from a (new) cloud location since there won't be any server in my office. I have experimented with my personal cloud in Live.com and that works; but this is not ideal for business us. I tried uploading a database into a SharePoint site document folder and it failed. What are my cloud storage options if I want to stick with the Access desktop database program?

Carl

Hi Rodney,

Thanks for getting me pointed right. I have a built a few of these web apps in O365 and am familiar with the basics creating a Custom Web App, designing tables etc. Very basic level. Never tried to import data or images however. My first difficulty is this error message about image attachments and how to import those into SharePoint? My first attempt was to simply create a database image, without the data, just to see how it goes. The wizard was not happy with my image field. So when it comes to connecting my office-based server accdb file to my new cloud app how do I get the images to save in the cloud web app table?

My O365 subscriptions are "ProPlus" and "Business Essentials with SharePoint Online Plan 1.

Sorry I tried uploading a <50kb screen shot and got error "file too large".

Answer 3

It sounds more like you want to store the db files in SP and open them in desktop Access. If you add network locations to your machine, that's pretty straightforward. You can't open them in the browser as Msft has no viewer for that. And anything other than the simplest of db's won't work well in a web app.

Answer 4

Hi Carl,

Sorry for the delay. Based on my test and search, it's not feasible to completely migrate database files to Access Web app for using. Here is another workaround: Import access database as SharePoint lists. You can refer to this article.

If it doesn’t work, we suggest you post a new thread in our Access Developer forum for professional support. Thanks for your understanding.

Disclaimer: Microsoft provides no assurances and/or warranties, implied or otherwise, and is not responsible for the download you receive from the third-party linked sites or any support related to the download or the downloaded technology. If you need support relating to the third party technology, please contact the manufacturer directly.

Best Regards,

Rodney

Answer 5

I am familiar with this Web app and am having problems opening it in Azure VM. See my post 3/29/17. Once I get that resolved I'll try this method. Thanks.

Carl