Chapter 3: Using Database Options and Attributes to Protect Data and Objects

Overview

Microsoft access is a flexible product that allows database users to open and view a database in many ways. It is this very same flexibility that can also put your database at risk. In this chapter, you'll find out which of the 50 or so database options will protect or expose your database. You will also learn how to hide objects in the database window so that users who are exploring the database window are less likely to stumble on your important data and objects. In particular, you will find out:

• Why the Compact on Close option leaves copies of your database lying around.

• Where personal information is stored.

• Why the most recently used file list exposes the location of your databases.

• Why its best to turn on confirmation messages to stop inadvertent deletions and changes in your database.

• How you can stop people from opening your database in exclusive mode.

• How to hide objects in the Database window.

As we review the options and attributes that control these issues, you will learn what values are advised and how you can manually change them. In some cases, I recommend that you experiment with the changes because they may not apply in your situation. Finally, if you are a developer, you will see some Visual Basic code for Applications (VBA) that allows you to control these options and attributes more effectively and even undertake some additional protection measures that just aren't available through the Access menus .

To help you better understand the techniques outlined in the chapter, the demonstration material for this chapter includes:

• A number of forms to display and change protection- related database options.

• VBA code that hides objects.

• VBA code that gives tables the same attributes as system tables, which means that they can be opened only in read-only mode from the Database window.

• VBA code that lists all hidden and system objects.

Note  

To find the demonstration material, open the download database for your version of Access ”for example, grMAP2000.mdb ”and select Chapter 3.