Database link: disable save; open only

[dchoka]

On an internal website at my company, we have a link to an Access database...a msg pops up that allows the user to open, save or cancel. We only want users to be able to open the database and not be able to save it to their computers. Is there a way to do this? I looked around but didn't see anything. Any help would be much appreciated!

[djr33]

A database is just a really complex text file stored on the computer, which can be manipulated by a number of useful functions within various languages.

I don't know Access myself, but I can also tell you that what you're describing needs more detail, because there are many many ways to interact with Access, not just some default with a convenient off switch for saving.

Now, if this is some sort of default browser for the system, odds are you shouldn't give just anyone that level of access. Better to use a system built custom for this.

One easy option would be creating a backup yourself and saving that on your server. They can download, etc., and everyone is happy. This wouldn't work too well if it's being constantly updated, but that depends on your situation and how crucial moment to moment updates are (just do a manual backup once a day, and I don't see much of a problem).

[benslayton]

I guess there might be a way to parse it and dsiplay it in a page using php or or possible asp (Since it is microsoft)

[dchoka]

Thanks for the replies -- the database tracks information related to files for us. We need to keep the database intact the way it is. I just thought there may be some code I can add to the link (to the database) itself that would disable being able to save it. Again, a code that would only allow the user to open the database and work with it where it is on the server, do what they have to do, and get out of it. Obviously, if they add information to this database, and it's saved on their computer, we're not going to be able to view the information that they just put it in. I'm a beginner as you can tell. Graphics is more of my strong point, not coding. I don't really want to back up the info everyday. And I'm not sure what is meant by parsing it and displaying it in a page - if you mean putting the database itself on a webpage, I'd like to avoid that as well. I guess there is no easy code for this. I've looked around thru various scripts, and haven't seen a thing to address it.

[djr33]

I just thought there may be some code I can add to the link (to the database) itself that would disable being able to save it.

You're looking at the situation backwards.

In programming, everything is based on very small steps that build up to an operation.

For the "action" of "saving to a database" you first connect, by setting the password, username, etc., then actually calling for a connection ....... eventually get the data you want, set it up, and put it in and get a confirmation that it was put in.

Something like "the option of not allowing a user to save" is very unlikely to be included in the code. Well, no. It simply doesn't exist within the code. Unless, of course, this was done by the programmer in the first place as a feature. But my guess is that isn't the case.

You'll need to back up, and start at the source of the problem, which is the system itself.

Again, I don't use access, so I'm not sure what to suggest.

It's certainly possible to create a method for allowing what you want, but it's only possible if you the code allows for it, not just by telling the code what you'd like and hoping there's an option for it.

(This isn't anything against you-- in fact, it's very common for people to just assume that "functions" and "actions" "exist" in code.)