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The
Workbench
Find out who has
your database open, start the correct version of Access, easy compacting and
backups, change startup options, mde compile, shutdown database
Read and Download
Garry's Blog
About The Editor
Garry Robinson
writes for a number of popular computer magazines, is now a book author and
has worked on 100+ Access databases. He is based in Sydney, Australia
or try our Aussie
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Is Your Database Corrupt
?
The Toolbox
produced by Garry and his team at
vb123.com
 |
The Toolbox is a library of Access code and objects used in many of our Access projects. |
Order It Here or Click Here for after delivery information
Description
Every since I started writing Access applications 8 years ago, I have always saved code and forms that I can reuse across other projects back into a library database. Currently that database is maintained in Access 97 so that the code and forms can be reused in all versions of Access. Some of this code either inspired or was the cause of inspiration of the many computer articles that I have written for Smart Access and other magazines. The important thing to remember here is that the code is always being refined and The Toolbox has the latest version that is being used in our Access projects. Below are a sample of what is in the Toolbox. Naturally all the code is unprotected so that you can modify it to work for your projects.
Garry Robinson - Senior
Consultant for GR-FX
Bonus: By special arrangement, Garry's company, GR-FX, has permission to
offer
a free version of downloads from Garry's book
as part of the Toolbox.
| Topic | Description |
| Automatic Relinking and Link Resolver Software |
Important functions to help you resolve link paths. They are CheckLink_FX for checking that a link to table works RelinkTables_FX to check a link and then relink all tables if they need a new location. CurLinkDir_FX will return the directory of linke |
| Startup routines that are used in most databases | Includes openform and openreport functions, userlogging, find current path of database and change window headers. |
| Drilldown class library used in Graf+FX | This class library simplifies the rather complex operation of drilling down into tables and queries to look for data. This process is called data mining and usually is closely related to graphs and consolidation queries. |
| Unload all tables to CSV text files | Unload all tables in a database to comma delimited text files. Useful for additional backup of databases. |
| Manipulate The Balloon Object | The Balloon object (or paper clip) can assist you with sophisticated error messages for users and explanations of things whilst people continue to use your software. |
| Run Excel using Automation | Open Excel using Automation and manipulate it for a report writer and other things |
| Run Microsoft Word using Automation | Open Word using Automation and manipulate Word templates so that they become report writers |
| Convert dates to useful string formats | Converts dates to formats suited to sorting. Includes a series of functions for Financial years as well as normal calendar years |
| View all lookup tables from one form. | View and open all tables that start with tlkp. Very useful for lookup tables. Can be easily ammended to tables with other common prefixes |
| NT Users Logging and System Shutdown | Open this form (hidden) in the Autoexec macro of your database. Once open, the form will log the NT user name to a login table. When the system is closed, a logoff time will be added to the table. This can be used to work out who is and has been using the system. This form also tests every 5 minutes to see if the users are needed to be logged off. If so then messages are displayed. |
| Report Win 2000/NT users who have been using the database | Produce a report of all users who have accessed the database |
| Report objects that have been opened by users such as forms and reports. | By using the functions OpenForm_FX and OpenReport_FX in conjunction with FXL8_userlogs form, you can work out who is opening forms and report and when. Use this report to printout how many times a report has been opened and who opened it last. |
| Compact Database. | This form shows how to run the simple compact now options that are used in applications. These apply to all versions of Access but the Compact option must be available from The Tools menu to make it work. You also have an advanced option to compact a database defined by a linked table path. |
| NT/XP Object Open Logging System | Demonstrates how you can open a report or a form and log when and who opened that form. You can then use that information to see which objects are being used the most and to see if you actually have any security concerns on any object. |
| Relinking Demonstration Form | One of the most important aspects of Access development is splitting your database into software and data only databases. Initially you manage this with the Access Splitter wizard. This form shows you ways to manage the linked tables that are built after this event. Software includes a simple form to open the Access linked table manager plus a software solution that brings up a File Find dialog box if the links do not work. |
| Calendar, TimeClock and List Picker Form Demonstrations | Adding a simple Timeclock or Calendar on the double click event generally impresses the end user who is not a great typist. This demonstration shows how to do this with 2 simple forms that can be imported into any database. These forms do not rely on installing new libraries. The list picker form works the same way and allows you to easily add a pop up list box without taking up any space on the form. |
There is more information on some components of The Toolbox at the following online locations
Graf+FX ... Develop your own data-mining software and learn ways
to better handle graphs
User Logging comprises of logging
the NT/XP/2000 username of a person when they open the database and when they
open a form or a report. The link above shows reports generated from those
logs in PDF format.
The Toolshed ... The Toolbox
comes with a free copy of The Toolshed resource kit
Instructions Once You Have Ordered
All the latest versions of the library are maintained in Toolbox9.mdb Access database. This database is in read/write mode for Access 2000/2002/2003.
Click here to open the Toolbox9.mdb file
The Toolbox comes with a free copy of The Toolshed.
The Interface
When you open the FXL8_Lib97.mdb
database, you will find the following simple interface to guide you around
the libraries. Click on Categories to show related forms and
modules. Click on View Object Code to show the actual subroutine,
function, class module or form. Click on demo files to open the
folder where the demonstration files are keep.
Click here to view the
full image of the interface
Do You Have To Do To Add The Software To Your Application
Import the objects into your database using Access. For some code you will need to make additional references to external libraries such as Excel, Word and shared Office functions. Generally though, these are only added for objects that are extremely likely to appear on most desktops.
What Tools Can You Use
Microsoft Access 2000,
2002(XP) and 2003
Excel and Word are automated using code in The Toolbox
Licensing Information
The author of this program accepts no responsibility for damages resulting from the use of this product and makes no warranty or representation, either express or implied, including but not limited to, any implied warranty of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose. This software is provided "AS IS", and you, its user, assume all risks when using it.
The software comes with complete source
code and you may use it however you wish. We even welcome additions
that you might make to the software and will provide you with free support
if those changes are useful.
The software cannot be sold as a library of source code.