Compile Your Database Into The More Secure MDE Format
Applies to Access 97, 2000, 2002, 2003

At the bottom of the delivery form which is selected when you press the button,
you will find one of the options relevant to your database is to compile your database into MDE format (see figure 1). This MDE format strips all the VBA code from behind your forms, reports and modules and only leaves the MDE format. It is one of the best ways to protect your database investment.

Figure 1 - Create an MDE file and open folder on completion options.

MDE Notes: Please note that MDE compile is only applicable to Front-End databases that do not have live data in them. Search your Access help for "MDE" or "split database wizard" to find out more on this topic.

Notes: Because of the quirky nature of different versions of Access, it is neither possible not advisable to create an Access MDE from a different version of Access. The Workbench follows this model in that you can only create an Access 2000 MDE with the Access 2000 executable. If you have Access 2002, you can only create an Access 2002 MDE and if you have Access 2003, you can create an Access 2003/2002 MDE but there could be some inconsistencies if Access 2003 only features are used. Access 97 compiling is only possible with Access 97 installed on your computer.

Here Is An Excerpt from Garry Robinson's Book On Access Security

MDE Format: Gold Standard Security for Objects

If you want to secure the forms, reports, and modules in your database, there is no better and quicker way to do so than to convert your database to the compiled format, called the MDE format. Before you do that, you need to

· Split your database into two databases. The first will hold all your software (queries, forms, reports, macros, and modules) and the second will hold all your data and relationships. …

· Make sure that users are not doing legitimate development in the live front-end database.

· You will need to have well-established control over who develops the front-end database and where that development takes place before you embark on using the MDE format.

· Ensure that development takes place on a computer drive to which the database users do not have access. To make an MDE-format database, all you have to do is choose Tools | Database Utilities | Make MDE, and you will have your MDE-format database.

If you are unsure whether the MDE format database will suit your needs, use it yourself as your production version. Once you have completed your test, direct a small number of users to try the MDE version. Generally, switching over to the MDE format is quite simple as long as you have good control of front-end database development. …

CAUTION The MDE format will not provide any security for your tables, queries, or macros.

 

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