Microsoft Access Replication

Replicating a Database using Microsoft Access

In this exercise, you will create a replica set in Microsoft Access.

* To convert a database to a Design Master and create a replica:

1. Start Microsoft Access and create a new database called MyCorp.mdb .
2. Create a table called Employees with a single text field called FirstName .
3. From the Tools menu, point to Replication and then click Create Replica .
4. Click Yes to close the database and create a Design Master.
5. Click Yes when prompted to create a backup.
6. Click OK when prompted for the replica's location.
7. Review the message box and click OK .

   Only data changes can be made in a replica. Database structure changes, such as new tables or fields, can only be made in the Design Master.

Access Replication Manager

Replication Manager, which comes in Microsoft Office 97, Developer Edition, provides a visual interface for converting databases, making additional replicas, viewing the relationships between replicas, and setting the properties of replicas. You can use Replication Manager to:

• Manage a large number of replicas.
• Synchronize data over the Internet or an intranet.
• Support laptop users who aren't always connected to a network. Laptop users can specify a network file location where synchronization information is deposited for later processing.
• Create replicas of more than one database.
• Set schedules for synchronizing replicas. You can schedule synchronization so that it occurs unattended at the appropriate times. You can also synchronize replicas at any time with a single menu command.
• Configure synchronization to send data, receive data, or send and receive data.
• Access additional tools for troubleshooting.

Windows 95 Briefcase Replication Microsoft Windows 95 Briefcase Replication is a convenient way to implement replication on a laptop computer. To use Briefcase replication, drag the Microsoft Access database (mdb) file from a shared folder on the corporate network to the My Briefcase icon on your laptop computer's desktop. This converts the database to a Design Master and creates a replica in your Briefcase.

You can disconnect your laptop from the network and make changes to the data in the replica. When you are finished working on the files on the laptop computer, reconnect to the corporate network. You can then synchronize the changes between the replica on your laptop and the Design Master on the network by opening My Briefcase and selecting the Update All option on the Briefcase menu.

During the conversion process, Briefcase allows you to make a backup copy of the original database file. The backup copy has the same file name as the original, except that it has a .bak file name extension instead of an .mdb file name extension. It is kept in the same folder as the original database file. Save the backup copy and use it only if you cannot use a replica to recreate the replica set.