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Allow Users to Connect Remotely and edit my Access Database

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by dan

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I work at a small not for profit organization. Before I came a database to enter client information, was created using Access. Now the Database has grown due to the fact that we get new intakes daily. Recently we have expanded and opened two new buildings. I have been trying to set up a way for users to access this database and input information. I have contacted, Foldershare, Western Digital (Mionet), GoTOMYPC, PCANYWHERE, and others, all have told me the same thing, that if one person has the database open, and is editing it, others will not be able to do so. However in our main office this is not a problem, as many people can be editing and using the database and there are no issues.

Has anyone experienced this? Does anyone have a cost effective solution, as I said we are a not for profit, so there is not alot of money to spend on something like that. We are running XP Professional Machines, acouple of Vista's and our server is Windows 2003. Please let me know if you need anyother information.

-Daniel Johnson

5 replies

by robo_dev

MySQL is free.

MS Access is great for small simple databases. If you can get somebody to donate a copy of Microsoft SQL server, that is what you need.

But MySql will do the job for free.

by dan

I can get a copy of SQL Server 2005 Standard Edition (Includes Software Assurance and 1 Processor License) for around $250, through a company that helps not for profits. I was not the person that designed our current Access Database, and I have very little knowledge of databases in general. How would I convert the Access to the SQL, and how would I share this database outside of our main office? Our webhosting company has a MYSQL section where you can load a database on there. Would I beable to back this up to keep a copy that if people entered information?

I am very sorry, like I said my thinking on Databases is very limited, and right now I am kind of at a loss to make this work.

by robo_dev

Sure, if MySQL on on their host, you should be able to use it.

Download a copy of mysql and become an expert....

Depending on the complexity of the database, it may or may not be a piece of cake to export the Access DB into either mysql or MS SQL. The best advice might be to try it and see what the result is...

Export/Import procedure:
http://www.webthang.co.uk/tuts/tuts_dbase/convert/convert.asp

by seagravesue

Have you looked at Salesforce.com. It would be worth talking to them and I think they may help 'not for profits'. This solution would take away all your headaches and is very easy to use. Check them out!

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