Re: Basic security questions


Amy Blankenship wrote:

(snip)

> Barring that, I'd like to have the database look for its workgroup file in
> the same directory as itself.

You misunderstand how it works. Access selects a workgroup file before
it even /opens/ your database. The database itself plays /no part
whatever/ in Access'es decision on which workgroup file to use.

If you double-click an mdb file, the sequence of actions is as follows.

1. Windows determines that mdb files, should be opened with MS Access;
2. Windows starts MS Access, passing the mdb file name as a parameter;
3. MS Access opens the default workgroup file for that PC;
4. MS Access /then/ opens the specified mdb file, then
5, The mdb file works, or doesn't work, depending on whether it is or
is not usable with the PC's default workgroup file.

When you secure an mdb correctly, you create a new workgroup file, and
the mdb file will /not/ work with the default workgroup file. So if you
double-click that mdb file, it will fail, because Access will use the
defauilt workgroup file, exactly as described above.

When you start an mdb file using a shortcut of the standard form, shown
below, Access starts, then opens the /specified/ workgroup file
(regardless of the PC's default workgroup file), then opens the mdb
file. You must use the shortcut approach when opening a
properly-secured mdb file.

"full path to MSACCESS.EXE"
"full path to MDB file"
/wrkgrp "full path to MDW file"

In summary, there is no situation where "the database looks for the
workgroup file". It simply does not work like that.

HTH,
TC

.

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