Can’t change a form if database is in use

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Access 97 would let me make design changes to a database while it was in use. Now we’ve converted to Access 2000 (and WIN2K) if I try to do this I get a message telling me I don’t have exclusive permission and I may not be able to save my changes. Sure enough, I can’t. Is this a new “feature”?
Oh and please don’t get on my back about bad practice etc. I know it is but we’re talking minor tweaks like adding an item to a combo box list (for example).

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Sorry to disappoint you, but you can’t do that in Access 2000, period end of story. Access 2000 does not permit design changes (and that includes your combobox example) unless the database is opened exclusive.

There are good reasons for it, so your only option is to change your modus operandi.

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Somehow I just knew that was going to be the answer. Thanks Charlotte

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I’ve had intermittent problems with database corruption in Access 97 almost from day 1. After much grief and serious swearing at my computer I came to the realization that even minor changes to forms and reports while others are using the database (even if the others don’t even look at those forms or reports) is a major gamble. I’m assuming that that restriction was put in Access 2000 specifically to prevent that problem.

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It applies to any shared database. Local front-ends are not shared, but if you are trying to make design changes to the back end, you won’t be able to do it if any of the front-ends is open.

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Hi Jon,
I’m not sure if this will help but by using a .MDE front end, the original .MDB front end is always free for editing. Therefore changes can be made and the new .MDE can be copied over the old without problem. This obviously doesn’t apply if, for some reason a .MDE cannot be used.

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Actually, you still can’t update the mde if it’s in use. You can only copy over it if it is not open.

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The advantage being – if you have an office full of data inputers, instead of getting them all to close their database at the same time, the .MDE can be e-mailed to them and they can close their databases whenever they get the chance.

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