Locked Out
By Richard Rost
2 months ago
Bypass Startup Lockout & Access Your DB Design
In this Microsoft Access tutorial, I will show you how to bypass the startup options in a locked-down Access database and regain access to your database design. We will discuss the differences between ACCDB and ACCDE files, how to check your shortcuts, and use the Shift key bypass to try to access your database. I will also talk about common settings developers use to hide the navigation pane and ribbons, and what to do if the Shift key bypass does not work.
Darren from Lexington, Kentucky (a Platinum Member) asks: A previous employee at my company built an Access database that we rely on. He has since been fired and refuses to provide any assistance. We can not get into the design of his database. It goes right to the main menu and there is no way to get into the code or form design, and I can not even see the list of tables. I have taken your Access Beginner class and nothing looks familiar. How can I get into this database to modify it?
Members
In the extended cut, we will learn how to use the AllowBypassKey property to lock and unlock your Access database, create buttons for these actions, and apply the property to other databases, including ACCDE files from your developer database. I will show you how these features work step-by-step.
Silver Members and up get access to view Extended Cut videos, when available. Gold Members can download the files from class plus get access to the Code Vault. If you're not a member, Join Today!
Prerequisites
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Keywords
TechHelp Access, bypass Startup, ACCDB vs ACCDE, Shift key bypass, AutoExec macro, startup form, navigation pane hidden, ribbon disabled, AllowBypassKey, lock database, unlock database, secure database, password recovery, encrypt database, user accounts, group accounts, workflow control, log database activity
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Intro
In this video, I will show you how to regain access to a locked Microsoft Access database when you cannot get into the design or see your tables, especially if it starts up directly to a main menu. We will talk about the difference between ACCDB and ACCDE file types, check common settings that restrict access, and learn how to use the Shift key bypass to disable the startup form. If you have lost developer access to your database, this video will help you understand your options.
Transcript
Get locked out of your Access database? Today I am going to teach you how to bypass the Microsoft Access Startup and get back into your database design.
Today's question comes from Darren in Lexington, Kentucky, one of my platinum members. Darren says, "A previous employee at my company built an Access database that we rely on. He has since been fired and refuses to provide any assistance. We cannot get into the design of his database. It goes right to the main menu and there is no way to get into the code or form design. I cannot even see the list of tables. I have taken your Access Beginner class and nothing looks familiar. How can I get into this database to modify it?"
Honestly, I hear this a lot from people where employees built a Microsoft Access database or something like that that the company ends up relying on. Then the employee is no longer with the company, maybe he retires or gets fired. This, I think, is why a lot of companies might be hesitant to allow their users to build Access databases because they do not want to be reliant on one employee to maintain that software.
Let's see if we can figure out what's going on here. It is your database. Your company owns it, and you are just trying to get in and work with it. I understand.
Let's take a look at a few things you can check firsthand, though. First, make sure that you have an ACCDB file and not an ACCDE file. This video explains the difference between the two. If you want to distribute your database to other people and not have them be able to mess with it, change the code, or get into your VBA and stuff like that, you can compile it into an ACCDE file.
Check the shortcut that you are using to run the database. If that ends in ACCDE, then there is not a lot you can do to get into that database. It has basically been compiled into an execute-only version. It is kind of like when you write real software: you have your VBA, and you compile it into an executable. That is basically what this is - it is an execute-only version of the database.
In that case, you will have to try and talk to him and see if you can get a copy of the ACCDB file. Or you can send it to a company that might be able to reverse engineer it for you, but that is not guaranteed. You will find more information and some links on this page.
Now, assuming you have an ACCDB file, not an ACCDE, you can try the Shift key bypass. That is where you hold the Shift key down when you open the program, and that might bypass the startup code.
This video explains what the startup form is. There are two ways you can have stuff automatically run when your database starts: there is a startup form and there is an AutoExec macro. AutoExec is the older way to do it, and most developers today will just use a startup form.
Here, for example, is a shortcut to my TechHelp free template. If I run this, if I open it up, you can see it starts up with a startup form. You can turn all this other stuff off. You can turn off the navigation pane and the ribbons and all that. There are settings for all of that. I cover them in my Simple Security video.
Now watch this. Click on this shortcut. Now hold the Shift key down. Now double-click on it. When it runs, the startup is bypassed. See, the main menu did not start up. Even if you shut all that other stuff off, you can still get into your database.
This video explains some ways you can lock down your database to keep average users out, like hiding the navigation pane. Here are the most common settings you can use to secure your database, which is probably what he did.
Go into Options. Under Current Database, you can set a Display Form. I am using an AutoExec macro, but you can set a Display Form here. You can turn off a few settings, like the navigation pane. You can turn off "Use Special Access Keys" as well. These settings include the navigation pane, the show immediate window, and the show VB window. Turning these off are the two big ones.
You can also turn off the menus and the shortcut menus as well. Sometimes you leave those on, sometimes you turn them off. Now, when you start the database, you'll see that it is more locked down. This might be what you are getting. You have no navigation pane, no ribbon, just whatever menu options are on the Quick Access Toolbar. That is it.
But, if you close this down and you hold the Shift key down when you double-click on it, it will get you back into your database like that. It bypasses all those options.
Now, if you have an ACCDB file and the Shift key does not work, it is possible that he used another trick. If you turn off allowing the bypass key, there is a setting called AllowBypassKey. It can only be set with VBA code. It is a little more advanced than I am going to go into in this video, but I am going to cover it in the extended cut for the members. I also talk about it in my Security Seminar.
If those tricks do not work, do not waste your time on it. That usually means the developer locked it down pretty well. You will either need someone with advanced VBA knowledge to help you, a security expert, or a password recovery service.
In the extended cut for the members, I am going to show you how to use that AllowBypassKey. We are going to make a couple buttons. We are going to show you how to lock and unlock the current database. I will show you how you can apply that property to other databases. You can take an ACCDE file that you have created and lock it from your developer database. That will be covered in the extended cut for the members. Silver members and up get access to all of my extended cut videos.
Here is how it works. If I open up the database and I select "lock this database," it is locked now. If I close it and then try to reopen it, even with the Shift key down, it ignores that. It is still locked. But if I select "Unlock the database," now it is unlocked. Now I can close it, then open it again with the Shift key down, and it should go right to the navigation pane. There it goes.
You can also put passwords on all this stuff with input boxes. There is all kinds of extra stuff you can do. I cover all of that in a lot more detail in my full Security Seminar. I show you how to set up user and group accounts, how to control workflow, how to log everything, how to encrypt and secure the database files, and all kinds of stuff. It is in my Security Seminar. Check it out.
Darren, I hope that helps you out, answers some of your questions, and gets you started in the right direction to get that file unlocked.
If you have any other problems or questions, post them in the comments below or in the forums on my website.
That is going to do it. That is your TechHelp video for today. I hope you learned something.
Live long and prosper, my friends. I will see you next time, and members, I will see you in the extended cut.
Quiz
Q1. What is the primary difference between an ACCDB and an ACCDE file in Microsoft Access?
A. ACCDB files can be edited, while ACCDE files are locked for design changes
B. ACCDE files are older than ACCDB files and less secure
C. ACCDB files require a password; ACCDE files do not
D. ACCDE files are only for databases larger than 2GB
Q2. What typically happens when you try to open an ACCDE file?
A. You can only view and use the data or forms, but cannot change the design or code
B. You can modify all tables and forms
C. You are prompted to convert it to an ACCDB file
D. You are required to enter a password every time
Q3. What is the purpose of holding down the Shift key when opening an ACCDB database?
A. To bypass the startup form or AutoExec macro and access the database design
B. To switch to a different user account
C. To enable read-only mode
D. To open the database in safe mode
Q4. If holding the Shift key does not bypass startup in an ACCDB file, what is a likely reason?
A. The AllowBypassKey property has been disabled through VBA code
B. The file is password protected
C. The file is corrupt
D. The file size is too large
Q5. What are two common methods for triggering actions automatically when an Access database starts?
A. Startup form and AutoExec macro
B. Hidden queries and action tables
C. Scheduled tasks and external scripts
D. Command-line switches and macros
Q6. Which setting in Access can hide the Navigation Pane and the Ribbon from users?
A. Options under the Current Database settings
B. The Trust Center controls
C. The Compact and Repair feature
D. The Data Encryption tool
Q7. Why might a company be hesitant to allow a single employee to develop and maintain an Access database?
A. The company does not want to depend on one person for support or maintenance
B. Access databases are too expensive to maintain
C. Employees are not allowed to write code at work
D. Access databases cannot be shared on a network
Q8. If regular methods to unlock a database fail and it is fully locked down, what should be your next step?
A. Seek assistance from someone with advanced VBA or a security expert
B. Try to open the database using Excel
C. Delete the file and rebuild from scratch
D. Attempt to rename the file extension
Q9. What does disabling the "AllowBypassKey" property prevent?
A. The Shift key bypass at database startup
B. Users from viewing data in tables
C. Running any reports from the database
D. Accessing the database on weekends
Q10. What additional security features were mentioned as topics in the extended video and Security Seminar?
A. Setting up user and group accounts, controlling workflow, logs, and encrypting the database
B. Printing custom reports
C. Automating email sending
D. Exporting data to Excel
Answers: 1-A; 2-A; 3-A; 4-A; 5-A; 6-A; 7-A; 8-A; 9-A; 10-A
DISCLAIMER: Quiz questions are AI generated. If you find any that are wrong, don't make sense, or aren't related to the video topic at hand, then please post a comment and let me know. Thanks.
Summary
Today's TechHelp tutorial from Access Learning Zone covers how you can regain access to the design features of a Microsoft Access database when you find yourself locked out. This is a situation that arises more often than you might think, particularly when a business relies on a database created by an employee who is no longer with the company. Companies often hesitate to allow users to build their own Access databases precisely because they can become dependent on a single individual for support and maintenance.
Let's look at how you might regain entry to your database when the design options are restricted. First, you should confirm whether your file is an ACCDB or an ACCDE. The difference between the two is significant. An ACCDB file is the standard editable format for Access databases. On the other hand, an ACCDE file is a compiled version. This means that it is locked down, and the design, code, and other development features are no longer accessible. If you are using a shortcut or link to launch the database, examine it to see if it points to an ACCDE file. If it does, there is unfortunately not much that you can do to get into the design area. The database acts like a compiled executable in other programming environments. If you only have access to an ACCDE file, your best option is to try to obtain the original ACCDB file. Sometimes, companies offer data recovery and reverse engineering services, but their ability to actually retrieve the full design is not guaranteed.
If you do have an ACCDB file, there are a couple of techniques to try. One widely used approach is called the Shift key bypass. This involves holding down the Shift key on your keyboard as you open the database. This method often disables the automatic startup actions, such as opening the main menu or executing startup code, and allows you to get full access to the navigation pane and design features.
Microsoft Access has two main ways to launch custom startup behavior. The first method, dating back to earlier versions, uses an AutoExec macro, which runs automatically when the database opens. The more modern method uses a designated startup form, which is simply a form that appears first when the database opens. Many developers will use this along with settings that hide the navigation pane, replace the ribbons, and otherwise lock the user into their own interface. If these settings have been implemented, your database might appear severely restricted – with no visible navigation pane, menus, or ribbons.
These options are found under the application settings for the current database, where you can specify a display form and adjust navigation pane visibility along with other access keys. Settings like hiding the navigation pane and disabling special access keys are common methods to secure a database. If you hold down the Shift key while opening the ACCDB, you typically bypass those startup options and regain access.
There is another layer of locking: advanced users can disable the Shift key bypass entirely with a special setting called AllowBypassKey. This must be changed using VBA code. If the developer has done this, it cannot easily be reversed unless you use VBA or know alternative advanced recovery techniques. I discuss these approaches and ways to work with the AllowBypassKey property in depth in my Security Seminar and today's Extended Cut for the members. There, I demonstrate how to program unlock and lock buttons, as well as how to control which databases allow the Shift key bypass.
If none of these techniques restore your access and you still cannot get into development mode, it is likely that the database was intended to be highly secure. In these cases, you will either need someone with advanced VBA or Access security skills, or you might have to turn to a professional password recovery or database unlocking service.
In today's Extended Cut, I will guide you through using AllowBypassKey, including creating buttons to lock and unlock the database. I will also demonstrate how you can apply this property to different databases, even from a separate developer file. Additionally, you will learn about implementing password prompts for added layers of security, along with other techniques for locking down your files and workflow control. All of these topics are covered in detail in my Security Seminar, where I discuss setting up user and group accounts, database encryption, file security, logging, and more.
If you find yourself in a situation like Darren's, these strategies should help you start troubleshooting and hopefully regain entry to your database for maintenance or further development.
You can find a complete video tutorial with step-by-step instructions on everything discussed here on my website at the link below. Live long and prosper, my friends.
Topic List
Difference between ACCDB and ACCDE file types
Identifying whether your database file is ACCDB or ACCDE
Understanding ACCDE execute-only limitations
Bypassing Microsoft Access Startup with the Shift key
Explanation of startup forms in Access
Role of AutoExec macro in Access startup
Access database settings for hiding navigation pane
Turning off ribbons and menus in Access
Setting the Display Form option in Access options
Impacts of disabling special access keys
How to access the database when navigation pane and ribbon are hidden
Article
If you find yourself locked out of your Microsoft Access database, unable to get into design mode or even view your tables, you are not alone. This is a common problem, especially when a database was originally developed by an employee who is no longer with the company. Often, employees lock down the database so that regular users cannot access design features, and it can be challenging to get back in if you do not know the right techniques.
The first thing you should check is the type of file you are working with. Microsoft Access has two main file types: ACCDB and ACCDE. The ACCDB file is the standard database file that you can fully edit and design. The ACCDE file, on the other hand, is a compiled version that does not allow you to modify forms, reports, or code. If you are trying to open an ACCDE file, you will be restricted to using the database as the developer intended, with no way (using normal methods) to get into design view or access the VBA code. If you have only an ACCDE, your only real option is to try to obtain the original ACCDB file from the person who created it, or you might have to contact a specialist who can try to reverse engineer it, which is rarely guaranteed.
Assuming you have an ACCDB file, the standard way to bypass a locked-down startup is to use the Shift key bypass. This trick works because Access allows developers to specify a startup form (the main menu, for example) and hide all the developer features such as the navigation pane and the ribbon. However, holding down the Shift key while double-clicking to open the database will very often bypass those startup settings, dropping you into the database without executing its default startup actions.
Here is how to use the Shift key bypass. Locate your database file (it should have the .accdb extension). Hold the Shift key down on your keyboard and keep it held down. While holding Shift, double-click the database file to open it. Keep holding Shift until the database has fully opened. With any luck, this will bypass the startup form and expose the navigation pane, giving you access to tables, queries, forms, and the VBA editor.
Most Access databases lock down users using options found under File, then Options, then Current Database. From here, a developer can set a form to display on startup, turn off the navigation pane, turn off special access keys, disable the VBA or Immediate windows, and even hide shortcut menus and ribbons. Despite all these settings, the Shift key bypass remains active unless it has been specifically disabled by the developer.
However, there is a more advanced technique a developer might use to disable this bypass. In Access VBA, there is a property called AllowBypassKey. If this is set to False, the Shift key bypass will no longer work. You can only change this property using VBA code and not from the regular Access interface.
Suppose you have access to the VBA environment. Here is a sample VBA code that can disable or enable the Shift key bypass in your database:
To turn off the Shift key bypass, use this code:
Dim db As Object
Set db = CurrentDb()
db.Properties("AllowBypassKey") = False
To turn it back on, use:
Dim db As Object
Set db = CurrentDb()
db.Properties("AllowBypassKey") = True
Note that if the AllowBypassKey property does not exist, you need to create it before setting its value. Here is a more comprehensive example that will handle both cases:
Dim db As Object
Dim prop As Object
Set db = CurrentDb()
Const propName = "AllowBypassKey"
On Error Resume Next
Set prop = db.CreateProperty(propName, 1, False)
db.Properties.Append prop
db.Properties(propName) = False
On Error GoTo 0
This code sets AllowBypassKey to False, disabling the Shift key bypass.
If you do not have access to the VBA editor because it has been hidden or locked, and the Shift key method does not work, then your database is locked down very tightly. At this point, your only choices are to seek out advanced Access specialists or a password recovery service, but results are not guaranteed.
Developers can also use passwords and other tricks in VBA to further restrict access, and you can apply these techniques yourself to protect databases in the future. If you manage to get into your database using the Shift key bypass, you can review these options under File > Options > Current Database, and adjust them as needed for your situation.
To sum up, your best chance of getting into a locked-down Access ACCDB file is to use the Shift key when opening the file. If that does not work, and you suspect AllowBypassKey is set to False, and you cannot run VBA, then the database is probably locked beyond simple recovery. In that case you may need professional assistance. In the future, it is good practice for companies to ensure they have access to the original source files (.accdb), and that their IT staff knows the available security options in Access.
If you have questions or run into trouble, there is a whole community of Access users and professionals online who might be able to offer advice for your particular situation. Good luck getting back into your database, and remember to always keep backup copies and documentation for every Access project you rely on.
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