Access Security Seminar

Also, while it doesn't use a text file, in the Locked Out video, richard shows methods for accessing an accdb file that has been locked down.

Thanks guys!!

I also have a video coming out later this week that shows you how to use a text file to let you know that someone is in the database, including another copy that you might have opened, and it warns you before opening it. That should be out Wednesday, I think.

Thats will be awesome! It’s exactly what I’m trying to do with it. Trying to stops them from copying my database and using them on another PC

Another good seminar to watch:  Access Registration Seminar

Donald is correct. The registration seminar is what you want. The video that I just finished is called Already Open, and that's basically preventing someone from accidentally opening a second copy of the database. If you want to keep them from copying your actual database file and using it somewhere else, then yeah, the registration seminar is more for you. Be advised, of course, that your data isn't safe unless you put it in SQL Server. You can keep them out of the front end file all you want, but if they can get to the tables, they can get to your data.

Now that I think about it, though, all you really have to do is put a hidden file somewhere in the database folder, perhaps. As long as it's marked hidden and your database checks to see if it exists, if the user doesn't know that it's there and they copy your database file, then you could just have the database say, "This database is locked," because it doesn't see the lock file. You got to have someone that doesn't know how to check for hidden files, so I guess the technique in my already open video could work for that. You could also hide it in the user's Windows folder or somewhere else on their machine if you're worried about someone copying the database and taking it home, for example.

Or use a registry key. That's something I do show in the registration seminar.

Thanks. I'm currently watch the Access Registration Seminar. It feels like I spend more time trying to lock down my access project then what it actually took me to write the code that make it work. lol
Also i can't wait for your "text file to let you know that someone is in the database". Exciting!