I have two commercial applications that use an access database as a backend. Each has its own system.mdw file. One is a Payroll System and the other is a Property Development/Sales system. So each has nothing to do with the other.
Problem is that I can’t open the Payroll System while the Property System is open, (and vice versa). Is there a way I can have both databases open independently of the other? Perhaps on the command line?
![]() |
Patch reliability is unclear. Unless you have an immediate, pressing need to install a specific patch, don't do it. |
SIGN IN | Not a member? | REGISTER | PLUS MEMBERSHIP |
-
Two Databases (Access 2002)
Home » Forums » AskWoody support » Productivity software by function » MS Access and database help » Two Databases (Access 2002)
- This topic has 7 replies, 5 voices, and was last updated 19 years ago.
AuthorTopicWSDevious Dude
AskWoody LoungerMay 31, 2006 at 4:25 am #432375Viewing 2 reply threadsAuthorReplies-
WSHansV
AskWoody Lounger -
WSDevious Dude
AskWoody Lounger -
WScbaldrey
AskWoody LoungerMay 31, 2006 at 5:03 am #1014128Not sure how willing you (or your company) would be about doing this, but what about getting a tool such as VMWare for those who require “more than one computer” or other such situations like needing two databases open at the same time, but not on the same computer?
Using the VMWare, you’d basically be running a computer, within a computer. It can be setup to access the LAN / Internet / etc, just like it was another PC sitting on the desk beside the host PC.
I’ve been using VMWare at work on my desktop for a few months now. It’s a whole bunch easier setting up a test system for application testing / etc… in a software environment, rather than taking up precious desk space with more PC Hardware.
-
WSHansV
AskWoody Lounger
-
-
-
WSjohnhutchison
AskWoody LoungerMay 31, 2006 at 11:04 am #1014188How do open them at the moment? Do you actually join the workgroup?
I am not sure if this will let you open both at once, but you can put the wrkgrp switch in the command line. Have you tried that?
“C:Program FilesMicrosoft Office2kOfficeMsaccess.exe” “pathtodatabase.mdb” /wrkgrp pathtoworkgroup.mdw
You can also add the username (and password) as well if you like
“C:Program FilesMicrosoft Office2kOfficeMsaccess.exe” “pathtodatabase.mdb” /wrkgrp pathtoworkgroup.mdw /user username /pwd yourpassword
I have used this to open two different databases at the same time with different mdw files so it looks like it works.
-
WSDouglas Martin
AskWoody LoungerMay 31, 2006 at 1:14 pm #1014209I’m another one that uses the /wrkgrp option as part of a shortcut to open any of our databases. Works like a charm and allows multiple databases to be open at the same time, with no problem. Making it part of a shortcut means that the user can double-click the shortcut to open the database using the appropriate workgroup but any other use of Access (without using a shortcut that includes a workgroup) leaves Access using the default workgroup.
-
WSDevious Dude
AskWoody Lounger
-
Viewing 2 reply threads -

Plus Membership
Donations from Plus members keep this site going. You can identify the people who support AskWoody by the Plus badge on their avatars.
AskWoody Plus members not only get access to all of the contents of this site -- including Susan Bradley's frequently updated Patch Watch listing -- they also receive weekly AskWoody Plus Newsletters (formerly Windows Secrets Newsletter) and AskWoody Plus Alerts, emails when there are important breaking developments.
Get Plus!
Welcome to our unique respite from the madness.
It's easy to post questions about Windows 11, Windows 10, Win8.1, Win7, Surface, Office, or browse through our Forums. Post anonymously or register for greater privileges. Keep it civil, please: Decorous Lounge rules strictly enforced. Questions? Contact Customer Support.
Search Newsletters
Search Forums
View the Forum
Search for Topics
Recent Topics
-
Microsoft : Edge is better than Chrome
by
Alex5723
1 hour, 31 minutes ago -
The EU launched DNS4EU
by
Alex5723
14 hours, 13 minutes ago -
Cell Phone vs. Traditional Touchtone Phone over POTS
by
280park
4 hours, 34 minutes ago -
Lost access to all my networked drives (shares) listed in My Computer
by
lwerman
19 hours, 39 minutes ago -
Set default size for pasted photo to word
by
Cyn
1 day, 1 hour ago -
Dedoimedo tries 24H2…
by
Cybertooth
13 hours, 47 minutes ago -
Windows 11 Insider Preview build 27871 released to Canary
by
joep517
2 days ago -
Windows 11 ad from Campaign Manager in Windows 10
by
Jim McKenna
1 day, 21 hours ago -
Small desktops
by
Susan Bradley
15 hours, 20 minutes ago -
Totally disable Bitlocker
by
CWBillow
18 hours, 13 minutes ago -
Phishers extract Millions from HMRC accounts..
by
Microfix
1 day, 22 hours ago -
Windows 10 22H2 Update today (5 June) says up-to-date but last was 2025-04
by
Alan_uk
3 days, 4 hours ago -
Thoughts on Malwarebytes Scam Guard for Mobile?
by
opti1
23 hours, 22 minutes ago -
Mystical Desktop
by
CWBillow
3 days, 7 hours ago -
Meta and Yandex secretly tracked billions of Android users
by
Alex5723
2 days, 13 hours ago -
MS-DEFCON 2: Do you need that update?
by
Susan Bradley
30 minutes ago -
CD/DVD drive is no longer recognized
by
WSCape Sand
3 days, 23 hours ago -
Windows 11 24H2 Default Apps stuck on Edge and Adobe Photoshop
by
MikeBravo
4 days, 1 hour ago -
North Face and Cartier customer data stolen in cyber attacks
by
Alex5723
4 days ago -
What is wrong with simple approach?
by
WSSpoke36
1 day, 22 hours ago -
Microsoft-Backed Builder.ai Set for Bankruptcy After Cash Seized
by
Alex5723
4 days, 11 hours ago -
Location, location, location
by
Susan Bradley
3 days, 1 hour ago -
Cannot get a task to run a restore point
by
CWBillow
4 days, 12 hours ago -
Frustrating search behavior with Outlook
by
MrJimPhelps
4 days, 3 hours ago -
June 2025 Office non-Security Updates
by
PKCano
4 days, 23 hours ago -
Secure Boot Update Fails after KB5058405 Installed
by
SteveIT
2 hours, 2 minutes ago -
Firefox Red Panda Fun Stuff
by
Lars220
4 days, 23 hours ago -
How start headers and page numbers on page 3?
by
Davidhs
5 days, 9 hours ago -
Attack on LexisNexis Risk Solutions exposes data on 300k +
by
Nibbled To Death By Ducks
4 days, 12 hours ago -
Windows 11 Insider Preview build 26200.5622 released to DEV
by
joep517
5 days, 18 hours ago
Recent blog posts
Key Links
Want to Advertise in the free newsletter? How about a gift subscription in honor of a birthday? Send an email to sb@askwoody.com to ask how.
Mastodon profile for DefConPatch
Mastodon profile for AskWoody
Home • About • FAQ • Posts & Privacy • Forums • My Account
Register • Free Newsletter • Plus Membership • Gift Certificates • MS-DEFCON Alerts
Copyright ©2004-2025 by AskWoody Tech LLC. All Rights Reserved.