Workbench Help File - The Open Button

Open will startup a new Microsoft Access session using the file name shown after Database: (see figure 1).

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Figure 1 - The Open button starts up a new Access session using the file and security details shown

The version of the Access software that will open will be determined by the workbench according to the file format. This will be either Access 2010/2007 or Access 2002/2003. Note that it is not possible to differentiate between Access 2002/2003 or Access 2007/2010 but the software will confirm when you ask to change the version.

Note: This interface has been designed to make it much easier to switch between different Access formats

To learn how to setup your executables click here

Note: You can also open a database using the menu File ~ Open the current database

When You First Use The Open Button

You will be faced with the following message box. This is telling you that you need to locate the Access software prior to opening the file. This then takes you to the Options form where you can add the Access software locations using a windows file browser. Read more

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Using The Exclusive Checkbox

When you select a database and no one is using it, a checkbox marked Exclusive will appear directly below the Open button. If you select this checkbox and press the Open button, the database will open in Exclusive mode and no one else will be allowed to open the database until you close it. Your database will work faster as Access now does not have to worry about changing object locks whilst you are working on the database.

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Note: You can also open a database exclusively using the menu File ~ Open Database ~ Exclusively. The same applies for in readonly mode or runtime mode from the File Menu

By Passing The Autoexec Macro And StartUp Options

You can bypass the autoexec macro (if you have one) and the startup options (menu .. Tools .. Startup ) in your database by holding the Shift key down when you click the Open button. If you do this, Access will startup in a background Window but will be easily accessible through the task manager (at the bottom of your screen).

Using The Located In Hyperlink

If you want to open the folder (directory) that the database is located in, simply click on the folder path hyperlink next to the Located in text at the top of the form.

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Using Command Line Options

You can use command line switches by opening the Options form and selecting the check box at the bottom on the form. Then you can enter commands like /Decompile and /Repair and /Runtime. Read more about command line options.

Note: You can also open a database in readonly mode or runtime mode from the menu File ~ Open Database ~ Readonly or the Menu File ~ Open Database ~ Runtime

Opening The Database With Alternative Versions Of Access

The Access Workbench will open any Access 97 database using Access 97. It will also open any Access 2000, 2002 or 2003 database using the currently nominated Access 2000+ database. Sometimes you will want to vary this version of Access without changing the default Access executable that you use for all your other databases. In this case, use the menu(s).

File ~ Open Database with ~ Access XXXX

This menu item will open the database using the currently selected Access version

Advanced Display

At the bottom of the Current Tab, you will find a hyperlink called Advanced . This will show you the Name of your computer, the current sandbox mode, if the database is encrypted and the last Access Open with shortcut script command.

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