Page #255 (Access Changes)

A number of new features make it easier to work with Access projects, the ADP files that are the Access front end to data in SQL Server tables. Some of these new features include a new version of the Microsoft Database Engine that allows you to work with projects even if you don't have SQL Server, as well as many enhancements to project front ends.

For more information about working with Access projects, see Chapter 19, "Creating Access Projects," and Appendix E, "Upsizing to SQL Server."

SQL Server 2000 Desktop Engine

SQL Server 2000 Desktop Engine (formerly the Microsoft Database Engine, or MSDE) is included with SQL Server 2000 and is provided on the Microsoft Office CD in the MSDE2000 folder. To install MSDE, double-click Setup.exe in this folder. Figure 1-12 shows the folder on the Office CD with Setup.exe selected. With MSDE installed, you can create projects even if you don't have the full version of SQL Server installed.

figure 1-12. you can install msde from the msde2000 folder on the office cd.

Figure 1-12. You can install MSDE from the MSDE2000 folder on the Office CD.

The SQL Server 2000 Desktop Engine setup includes a new version of the Microsoft Data Access Components (MDAC)-version 2.6. These components help you integrate data from a wide variety of sources and include Microsoft ActiveX Data Objects (ADO), OLE DB, and Open Database Connectivity (ODBC).

For more information about the SQL Server 2000 Desktop Engine and how it compares with SQL Server, see Chapter 3, "Introduction to Database Design."

Running Access Projects Against SQL Server 2000

Access 2002 and SQL Server 2000 work together more tightly than ever before. Here are some of the highlights:

Using SQL Server functions. SQL Server 2000 functions provide the same functionality as Jet parameterized queries. Use functions to replace stored procedures that returned a single result set, or any place a view was used. You can use these functions as record and row sources for forms, reports, data access pages, combo boxes, and other objects.

Extended property support. SQL Server 2000 now provides support for extended properties, letting you set up lookup relationships, validation text, formatting, subdatasheets, and other features of tables, views, and functions, just as with MDB files.

Updatable views. You can now update values in a view or function directly by using a datasheet. Any update that can be performed using an MDB query can now be performed using a SQL Server view or function.

Linked Table Wizard. The Access Linked Table Wizard can now be used to create tables linked to a SQL Server database, an MDB file, or other OLE DB sources.

Copy Database File and Transfer Database support. Access 2002 allows you to attach SQL Server MDF files to your local server. You can now use the Copy Database File command against the current ADP database on a local server to create a copy of the MDF file, so that you can move it to a different server. You can use the Transfer Database command to transfer a database from one server to another, even if you're not working on your local server. To access these commands, choose Tools, Database Utilities.

Running ADP Projects Against All Versions of SQL Server

If you're running an earlier version of SQL Server, you'll also see some changes, as follows:

Batch updates in a form. The new BatchUpdates property on the Data tab of a form's properties sheet allows you to tell Access to batch all data entryand send it to the server when the user navigates off the form, closes the form, or chooses Records, Save All Records. You can also create a button that programmatically saves or undoes all records, thereby eliminating the need to create unbound forms that gather all the data and commit changes at one time.

Better input parameter support for functions and stored procedures. You can now specify parameter values for a record source, just as with an MDB-based form or report. For example, if the following SQL statement is used as a report's record source, when the report is run, a parameter dialog box will appear, asking for the Country value:

 SELECT * FROM tblCustomers     WHERE Country = @ [Enter a country for the Customers report] 

This new feature gives you more flexibility, eliminating the need to create different record sources with specific filters.

Password security. The new Set Login Password command (choose Tools, Security) allows you to change your logon password for the current logon specified for the ADP connection, without having to log off first.

SQL replication and Security dialog boxes removed. Because of security changes in SQL Server, Access no longer offers SQL replication and security. You must use SQL Server 2000 Enterprise Manager to implement replication and security for your database.

Using Recordsets

You can now use recordsets (sets of records that behave as objects) as row sources for combo boxes and lists, which gives you another option for providing lists of items to select. Additionally, disconnected recordsets can be used for all ADP objects that have RecordSource and RowSource properties.



Microsoft Project 2002 Inside Out
Microsoft Project Version 2002 Inside Out (Inside Out (Microsoft))
ISBN: 0735611246
EAN: 2147483647
Year: 2003
Pages: 67

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