ACCESS FEED: [MS_AccessPros] Re: Dropbox and Access Database; Any issues?

Jumat, 27 Maret 2015

[MS_AccessPros] Re: Dropbox and Access Database; Any issues?

Hi Jan

The only problem with putting an Access back-end in DropBox is the coordination of access by multiple users.

If User A opens the database and modifies a record, then User B modifies a different record from a different device, then both close their copies, how can DB possibly merge the changes?

It would be OK if you could enforce serial access - User B cannot open the database until User A has closed it and it has been synchronised on all subscribers - but I don't know enough about DropBox to kbow if it's capable of that.

Best wishes,

Graham [Access MVP since 1996]

---In MS_Access_Professionals@yahoogroups.com, <jan.hertzsch@...> wrote :

Why would you not use dropbox?

Sent from my iPhone

On Mar 27, 2015, at 2:08 PM, Crystal strive4peace2008@... [MS_Access_Professionals] <MS_Access_Professionals@yahoogroups.com> wrote:

Hi Jan,

personally I would not work out of DropBox. Copy the database to a local directory, open it and do what you need to, then copy the db back to dropbox once it is closed to get synchronized. It is also a good idea to include a datestamp in the filename. I use yymmdd so today is 150327

Warm Regards,
Crystal

Access - Requery a Query Shortcut (cc), Sum a Column
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IidcAwKjH54
- refresh with the latest values, sum a column

~ have an awesome day ~

On Friday, March 27, 2015 12:22 PM, "John Viescas JohnV@... [MS_Access_Professionals]" <MS_Access_Professionals@yahoogroups.com> wrote:

Jan-

That should work fine as long as two people don't try to work in the database at the same time. DropBox only copies entire files, so whoever closes last will have that copy in the Cloud and then propagated. That could lose some updates from someone else who was working in the file earlier.

John Viescas, Author
Microsoft Access 2010 Inside Out
Microsoft Access 2007 Inside Out
Microsoft Access 2003 Inside Out
Building Microsoft Access Applications
SQL Queries for Mere Mortals
http://www.viescas.com/
(Paris, France)

On Mar 27, 2015, at 7:18 PM, Jan Hertzsch jan.hertzsch@... [MS_Access_Professionals] <MS_Access_Professionals@yahoogroups.com> wrote:

Believe me, I understand how DB works. We used it for collaboration on RFP responses to great success but you had to watch out for the "gotchas". Especially for large files. They took a few minutes to save and if you saved too fast (within a minute) you ended up with conflicted copies. Had the same problem with Quicken since every posting is recorded as a save. Too many postings too fast and you get conflicted copies as DB can't update and confirm before you save again.

I have all my files relating to the non-profit on Dropbox and 2 other people within the organization have access to the folders in collaboration mode. When the new director and staff took over (volunteers), we had a heck of a time finding the contacts spreadsheet that was their database. Never again. If there is no problem, I want to keep it in the same folder tree so multiple people can get at it in case I get hit by a bus or shot by a former wife.

Thanks

Jan

On Mar 27, 2015, at 12:08 PM, John Viescas JohnV@... [MS_Access_Professionals] <MS_Access_Professionals@yahoogroups.com> wrote:

Jan-

When you put a file on DropBox, it keeps a copy in the Cloud and automatically downloads a copy to every subscribed device to the DropBox folder. If you work with your database in the DropBox folder (be sure to define the folder as "trusted" in Access), then every time you update it, DropBox will copy it back to the Cloud and then to your other devices.

Why do you want to do this?

John Viescas, Author
Microsoft Access 2010 Inside Out
Microsoft Access 2007 Inside Out
Microsoft Access 2003 Inside Out
Building Microsoft Access Applications
SQL Queries for Mere Mortals
http://www.viescas.com/
(Paris, France)

On Mar 27, 2015, at 7:00 PM, jan.hertzsch@... [MS_Access_Professionals] <MS_Access_Professionals@yahoogroups.com> wrote:

Hi

Years ago I went through the DB growing pains with Quicken. It took a few months before the DB technology caught up with how Quicken worked.

I am wondering if it is safe to put my data file on Dropbox or am I asking for trouble?

Thanks