Upgrading to MS Access 2003

Occasionally I write MS Access database applications for others. I have been using MS Access 97, because years ago I acquired an ODTE program that allowed me to provide a runtime version of Access 97 for anyone that didn't have Access on their computer.

Recently I have helped others with Access databases that were written in later versions of Access. Even though they can save a file in Access 97 version format, the backward compatability is awful, often producing a file that I can't effectively use in my version.

I have been considering upgrading to MS Access 2003, and have 2 questions:

1. Can both MS Access 97 and 2003 exhist on the same computer? If so, are there any possible problems that I might expect to encounter?

2. Within MS Access 2003 is there a way to provide a runtime version when an application is distributed, or will additional software like the Office 97 ODTE be needed? If so, what is it called?

 

http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/assistance/HA011208861033.aspx for details of the runtime for 2003.

2003 & 97 on the same system - do you mean the programs or created databases for those two versions?

 

Here's some info on the Access 2003 'runtime'... go here .
If you want to install two different copies of Office, put them on separate partitions (or hard drives). This will minimize the problems, but no guarantee there won't be problems. HTH

B

 

Reply to Newt

I meant the programs. I'm assuming that the database files, if both were on the same system, would have to be associated with only one of them, and that's where I thought there might be some problems or situations that had to be worked around.
I'll look at the link you gave me for details and reply if that generates any questions.

 

Reply to Mr. B

Thanks for the reply, advice and link that was the same as Newt's.

I'll look at that link for further info and ask both of you of it generates additional questions.

 

Reply to Newt & Mr. B

Thanks to both of you for your excellent replies. I've been more than able to answer my questions as a result of your guidance.

Unfortunately the investment in additional software for my somewhat "casual" needs in producing runtime versions of MS Access databases in 2003 format, doesn't appear to be too "cost effective ". This appears to be geared to the needs of the full time professional developer.

Thanks again for the help

 

Take a look at OpenOffice.

The price is right - it's free.

I haven't played with the database portion but most of the suite is designed to play nice with MS Office.

 

Newt

Thanks for that tip.

The computer user group that I belong to should have the 2.0 version of Open Office on next months CD of the month and I plan on looking at it. (already using an earlier version that doesn't have a database program).
From what I have read, the database in the latest Open Office is not compatable with Access like the other programs are with MS Office, even though it is a relational database.

 

Not surprised to hear it won't be interoperable with Access. However, if they have a 'reader' version that you can bundle with an applet, you might not care.

Wonder if the OO product will front-end MS SQL like Access will.

 

RE:Mr B's suggestion

Haven't and didn't plan on partitioning my hard drive. What would be the advisability of putting it on an external hard drive? Same Scenario?

Was only planning on putting Access and not the whole office suite.

 

An external hard drive would work (it would be another partition). Office does not play well together on the same partition (too many shared files). A USB hard drive should be fast enough that you will not notice a performance hit. HTH

B

 

RE:Mr B

A USB external hard drive is what I had in mind.

Thanks, your advice has been helpful