Access Extra

Office 2010 SP1 Released

2011-06-28T16:44:00.000-07:00

The 370mb download includes the addition of integrated community content in the Access 2010 Application Part Gallery.

Ways to share an Access database

2011-06-07T17:36:00.000-07:00

A good article from Office.com on how to deploy run-time and web-based Access applications.

Access 2010 Code Sample: Find the First and Last Day in a Given Week, Month, or Year

2011-05-06T17:09:00.000-07:00

From the Microsoft Download Center Visual How-to Sample: How to Find the First and Last Day in a Given Week, Month, or Year in Access 2010

Streamline Reporting on Recurring Data Imports

2011-04-26T16:43:00.000-07:00

The article from Microsoft walks you through the creation of an Access database that supports importing monthly sales data from a text file, and provides the sample data used to create the article, as well as the database file complete with all the data imported.

The scenario comprises the following tasks:

Set up an import specification to allow Access to import the same data in future months.
Use the built-in Table Analyzer tool to create a normalized structure for the data.
Create a set of append queries that will parse the incoming data into the normalized structure.
Write a macro that automates the data import process.

All Access Downloads/Add-Ins for Access 97 to Access 2010

2011-03-29T20:21:00.000-07:00

Microsoft has finally re-organised all its Access downloads in one place. Just click on a column to sort.

Access 2010: Sample Access Database for Streamline Reporting

2011-03-29T20:08:00.000-07:00

This Microsoft download provides a sample data set to show how to automate a recurring import of data into a Microsoft Access 2010 database.

How To Build an Access 2010 Web Database

2010-11-15T13:45:00.000-08:00

A detailed article from MS on building a web database in Access 2010.

New Access 2010 Resource Center on TechNet

2010-11-15T13:40:00.000-08:00

TechNet has launched a new Access 2010 Resources portal with a focus on migrating, deploying and securing Access 2010 databases. Learn how to plan and implement an Access Services site, and get links to developer resources, training, videos, and how-to articles.

Free eBooks from Microsoft Press

2010-10-24T13:50:00.000-07:00

Free ebook: Moving to Microsoft Visual Studio 2010 (10 chapters by by Patrice Pelland, Pascal Paré, and Ken Haines)
Free ebook: Introducing Microsoft SQL Server 2008 R2 (10 chapters by Ross Mistry and Stacia Misner)
Free ebook: Programming Windows Phone 7 Series (DRAFT Preview) (6 chapters by Charles Petzold)
Free ebook: Petzold’s Programming Windows Phone 7 (Special Excerpt 2) (newer than the ebook above; 11 chapters by Charles Petzold)
Free ebook: Own Your Future: Update Your Skills with Resources and Career Ideas from Microsoft(8 chapters by Katherine Murray)
Free ebook: Understanding Microsoft Virtualization Solutions (Second Edition) (6 chapters by Mitch Tulloch)
Free ebook: First Look Microsoft Office 2010 (14 chapters by Katherine Murray)
Free ebook: Windows 7 troubleshooting tips (short ebook by Mitch Tulloch)
Free ebook: Introducing Windows Server 2008 R2 (9 chapters by Charlie Russel and Craig Zacker)
Free ebook: Deploying Windows 7, Essential Guidance (10 chapters from the Windows 7 Resource Kit and 6 TechNet articles)

Latest Access 2010 and Office 2010 Resources and Guides

2010-10-12T17:13:00.000-07:00

Access 2010: Download the Interactive Menu to Ribbon Guide

2010-09-28T15:17:00.000-07:00

A visual, interactive reference guide to help you find the new location of commands in Access 2010. Download

Access 2010 Migration Guide

2010-09-07T15:11:00.000-07:00

The Access 2010 Migration Guide walks you through new features such as the ribbon interface, the Navigation Pane, where to find Access Options, and so on. The other Office 2010 Migration Guides are also available from the above link. Essential for those upgrading from pre-Access 2007 versions.

Important Access Updates

2010-09-03T17:08:00.000-07:00

Latest KB Articles courtesy of KB Alertz:

Access 2002

201279 Upsizing Wizard in Access 2002, Access 2003 or Access 2007 database results in message when attempting to upsize to SQL Server 2008

Access 2007

2276481 Description of the Office Access 2007 hotfix package (ace-x-none.msp, access-x-none.msp): August 31, 2010
2396342 Office 2007 Cumulative Update for August 2010

Operations guide for Microsoft Office 2010

2010-09-02T01:44:00.000-07:00

This eBook provides information about how to maintain and manage an installation of Microsoft Office 2010.

Visual Studio LightSwitch BETA: The New MS Access Robot?

2010-09-01T17:47:00.000-07:00

Check out this short video: Introduction to Visual Studio LightSwitch then read more here. Access databases will be supported post-BETA! The blurb:

"With LightSwitch, you can build custom applications that rival off-the-shelf solutions. Get a head start by using pre-configured screen templates that give your application a familiar look and feel. LightSwitch also provides prewritten code and other reusable components to handle routine application tasks, along with helpful step-by-step guidance. However, if you need to write custom code, you can use Visual Basic .NET or C#. You can deploy to the desktop, browser, or cloud (post-Beta) to share your application with others more easily without the cumbersome installation processes... Applications created with LightSwitch support exporting data to Microsoft Office Excel for fast and easy sharing and reporting. You can also attach your application to existing data sources, which makes it easy to collect, analyze, and reuse information from a variety of data sources including Microsoft SQL Server, Microsoft SQL Azure, SharePoint, Microsoft Office Access (post-Beta), and other third-party data sources."

Thanks to Alex Dybenko of Alex & Access for the heads-up.

New MSDN Articles on VBA In Office 2010

2010-08-30T21:15:00.000-07:00

Download the Office 2010 Developer Training Kit

2010-08-19T16:53:00.000-07:00

Download the Office 2010 Developer Training Kit - "provides developers with collateral to get started quickly developing for Office 2010". 95.5mb

New Office Ribbon Developer Center Launches on MSDN

2010-08-02T18:38:00.000-07:00

A new Office Fluent UI Developer Center has been launched on MSDN, where you can dind developer resources for customizing the Backstage view for Office 2010 and the Ribbon UI for Office 2010 and Office 2007.

Northwind 2010 Web Database is now available

2010-07-19T19:09:00.000-07:00

A new version of the Northwind sample database has just been released. The best way to get to the template is to start up Access 2010, under Office.com Templates, click on Sample Templates, and then click on Northwind Web Database. You can also get the template here: Northwind Web Database.

New Access 2010 Resources PDFs

2010-07-15T19:00:00.000-07:00

Download:

Microsoft Access 2010 Features and Benefits
Microsoft Access 2010 Getting Started Guide
Microsoft Access 2010 Product Guide
Microsoft Access 2010 Reference Access 2003 to Access 2010

Free Corporate Event Manager for Access 2007 and Access 2010

2010-07-14T02:11:00.000-07:00

I have just uploaded a cool new Access application that streamlines the process of managing corporate events. No other free database application offers the degree of functionality offered by the The Event Manager application. Download ( 210kb Zipped ACCDE file for Access 2007/2010).

Office 2010 Office Environment Assessment Tool

2010-07-02T18:07:00.000-07:00

An environment scanning tools to assist in the assessment phase of deployment. It identifies the following:

Currently installed applications and installation environment.
Add-ins currently in use by Office clients.
Programs that are not registered as add-ins but still interact with Office programs.
Report: Environmental assessment (potential upgrade issues).
Report: Add-ins assessment—list of third party programs and information about the compatibility of those programs with Microsoft Office 2010.

Download

Office 2010 Compatibility Inspector

2010-06-30T17:01:00.000-07:00

The Microsoft Office 2010 Compatibility Inspector compares existing (legacy) code against the Office 2010 object model by using a text search for known properties and methods that have changed. You can run the tool against specific projects. You also have the option to mark those areas in the code where text search has identified a possible object model match. The comment will include description of what was found along with possible remediation link to online content or help.

The tool integrates with both Microsoft Visual Basic for Applications 7.0 (VBA 7) and Microsoft Visual Studio 2008. It includes a basic scanner where definitions and remediation links are updated from a central online location. It also generates a summary report and a details report. The summary includes the total lines of code scanned as well as total lines identified as potential candidates for object model changes. The details report includes the module name, line number, and links to remediation for each identified issue along with color-coded flags for impact guidance.

New MS Office Developer Portals

2010-06-21T23:26:00.000-07:00

Latest Access KB Alerts

2010-06-13T00:46:00.000-07:00

Courtesy of KbAlertz.com:

Access 2002
977896   MS10-003: Description of the security update for Office XP: February 9, 2010
978214   MS10-003: Vulnerability in Microsoft Office (MSO) could allow remote code execution

Access 2003
977645   Description of the Office Access 2003 hotfix package (Msaccess.msp): December 15, 2009
983235   MS10-036: Vulnerability in COM validation in Microsoft Office could allow remote code execution
982311   MS10-036: Description of the security update for Office 2003: June 8, 2010

Access 2007
978402   Description of the Office Access 2007 hotfix package (Access-x-none.msp, Ace-x-none.msp): February 23, 2010
981049 Description of the Access 2007 hotfix package (Access-x-none.msp, Ace-x-none.msp): April 27, 2010
201284 When you create a Pivot Chart or a Pivot Table in Microsoft Office Access 2007, the Field List is not visible
201284   When you create a Pivot Chart or a Pivot Table in Microsoft Office Access 2007, the Field List is not visible
982312   MS10-036: Description of the security update for the 2007 Office system: June 8, 2010

Access Switchboard to Ribbon Converter Wizard

2010-05-24T01:46:00.000-07:00

Exclusive to readers of Access Extra!
A new free Wizard for Access 2007 and Access 2010

The Access Switchboard to Ribbon Converter Wizard in just two mouse-clicks turns your legacy Access Switchboard (as built by the native Access Switchboard Manager) into a fully functional Ribbon Switchboard!

Download now! Only 155kb (v1.0.1 updated 27 May 2010)

Also check-out these free new Access 2007/2010 tools:

Office 2010 Developer Atlas

2010-05-21T01:21:00.000-07:00

A new interactive portal for Office developers where you can explore the new features of of Office 2010.

Office 2010 Australian Retail Release Date is June 15

2010-05-12T20:09:00.000-07:00

According to LifeHacker

Microsoft Says: Top 10 benefits of Access 2010

2010-05-12T16:14:00.000-07:00

Office 2010 will have its corporate launch tomorrow. So what does Microsoft consider compelling in Access 2010: Top 10 benefits of Access 2010.

Office Still Top Business Suite: Google Apps Serious Not

2010-05-12T16:06:00.000-07:00

New Forrester data, released on May 11, reports that 81% of the enterprises it surveyed are running Office 2007 and 78% supporting SharePoint, compared to only 4% using Google Apps. Forrester also says that one third of survey respondents are already planning an upgrade to Office 2010 within the next 12 months. The Forrester sample is 115 North American and European enterprise and SMB decision makers.

Source: Forrester: ZDNet: Google still a distant Office competitor

Microsoft Access 2010 Source Code Control

2010-05-10T18:17:00.000-07:00

The Microsoft Access 2010 Source Code Control makes it easy to deploy and manage solutions built using Microsoft Access.

Office 2010 Developer Training Kit

2010-05-09T18:46:00.000-07:00

Download the just released Office 2010 Developer Training Kit. The Training kit that provides developers with collateral to get started quickly developing for Office 2010, and includes a comprehensive set of technical content including hands-on labs, presentations, source code, and instructor-led videos, that are designed to help you learn how to develop for Office 2010 and SharePoint 2010.

File Name: Office2010DeveloperTrainingKit.Setup.exe
Version: 1.0
Date Published: 9 May 2010
Language: English
Download Size: 91.1 MB

Access 2010 RTM Runtime Environments Available for Download

2010-05-07T19:11:00.000-07:00

Microsoft Access Database Engine 2010 Redistributable This download will install a set of components that can be used by non-Microsoft Office applications to read data from Microsoft Office 2010 files.

Microsoft Access 2010 Runtime The Microsoft Access 2010 Runtime enables you to distribute Access 2010 applications to users who do not have the full version of Access 2010 installed on their computers.

Download the Final Access 2010 Product Guide

2010-04-22T18:48:00.001-07:00

Download link is available here.

Microsoft Office 2010 RTM Released on MSDN

2010-04-22T16:19:00.000-07:00

Microsoft today released Office 2010 RTM to TechNet and MSDN subscribers.

The retail release will be available in June.

Over 60 Free Controls from DevExpress!

2010-04-12T17:02:00.000-07:00

Coinciding with the launch of Visual Studio 2010, DevExpress is offering a vast library of cutting edge controls for FREE!

Go to: http://www.devexpress.com/Products/Free/WebRegistration60/

Easily Migrate Legacy Access Switchboards to the Access 2010 Navigation Form

2010-04-07T18:14:00.000-07:00

In Access 2010 the venerable Native Switchboard Manager has been retired. The old Switchboard form has been replaced by a cool web 2.0 style Navigation Form using a tabs paradigm of up to two levels. The Navigation Form Control and Button controls cannot be created in code, so there is a degree of hard-coding involved.

I saw the opportunity to ease the design process by adapting the legacy Switchboard Items table and porting it to the new Navigation Form. I have created a demonstration Access 2010, which can be downloaded from here. The code can be used freely in your applications 'as is'. All the required code is behind the custom Navigation Form, which is pre-built with generic two-level tabs control: 8 level one options and each option having 8 buttons, which are populated at run-time from the Switchboard Items table, using custom code adapted from the Access 2003 vba module behind the native Switchboard form:

The top level option tabs are equivalent to the legacy Go to Switchboard command, and each top level tab has 8 sub-tabs, which equate to the old Switchboard Items. At run-time the code behind the Navigation Form assigns to each tab button the Item Text to the Caption property, the Command and Argument values to the Tag property of each button control, and an on-click function for macros and code functions to the OnClick Event. Form and report objects names are assigned to a button’s 'navigate to' property. Tab buttons are displayed only for actual item entries. Unused tab buttons are hidden.

I have also built a Manage Switchboard Items Form to manage the Switchboard Items table and automate the process of upgrading legacy Switchboard Item tables from previous versions of Access. Updated 28 May 2010 so that after an item is deleted all items are automatically renumbered sequentially

NEW Ezy Access RibbonX Builder & Editor for Access 2007

2010-03-27T18:10:00.000-07:00

My Access2007 Ribbon Builder and Editor for Microsoft© Access 2007 is a fast and easy way to build and manage Access 2007 and Access 2010 Custom Ribbons.

Download the fully functional unlimited BETA

Ezy Access RibbonX Builder is a basic yet sophisticated tool for building custom ribbonbars using XML files. Not all controls can be edited, and only sub-set of essential attributes for custom controls can be edited. Only native Office 2007 msoImages can be assigned to custom controls.

The ribbon being built is displayed as the active RibbonBar. You use the treeview representation of the ribbon to navigate and build the ribbon by adding, editing, copying, pasting, and deleting controls.

File commands:

Load XML File... Loads an existing XML ribbon file. The full file path is displayed in the XML File textbox.
Refresh Reloads the current XML file and refreshes the displayed ribbon.
Save As... Saves the current XML file for the displayed ribbon as another file.

Ribbon commands:

Edit Control Displays an Edit Control tab where you can edit the attributes of the control selected in the treeview.
New Ribbon... Load a new ribbon stub and creates a new XML file for the ribbon.
Reference Database... Assigns a database file to populate the onAction combobox for that ribbon control with a macro action from a macro named 'Ribbon'. The full file path is displayed in the Ref DB textbox.
Ribbon Wizard... Select a ribbon template from the samples shipped with the Builder.

Other functions:

Control objects combobox Select a control from this combobox to add to the displayed ribbon. Clicking the + button adds the selected control: if the + button is disabled then the selected control cannot be added to the current parent (container) control. The buttons to the right of the + button from left-to-right delete, copy, or paste the control currently selected in the treeview. The name of a copied control that has not yet been pasted is displayed in a label between the Paste and the Edit Control buttons.
Lookup Office Image panel The functions in this panel allow you to assign images to custom ribbon controls during editing. Place your mouse over a control in this panel for details of the function performed

Download the fully functional unlimited BETA

Office Release Date Announced

2010-03-12T17:13:00.000-08:00

According to the Office 2010 Engineering blog the ship date for Office 2010 is May 12.

Office 2010: Understanding 64-Bit Office

2010-02-23T17:10:00.000-08:00

Office 2010 will ship in both 32-bit and 64-bit versions. Get the lowdown on 64-bit Office here.

Building Solutions with Access 2010 Lab

2010-02-16T01:04:00.000-08:00

This Hands-On Lab covers the new developer related features of Access 2010 with an emphasis on:

Understanding the differences between developing database objects that will work in a Web database versus objects that work only in a client database.
Understanding the benefits of starting from templates, learn basic data design modification for Web databases, develop an understanding of Web form modification and creation.
Learning how to use navigation forms and learn how to use the new data macro editing environment.

Access 2010 Gotchas

2010-01-17T16:14:00.000-08:00

Compatibility between Access 2007 and Access 2010

New Access 2010 features such as Data Macros and Calculated Columns are not compatible with Access 2007. To prevent data loss or corruption Access 2010 will make changes to an ACCDB that will prevent it from being opened in Access 2007 or make it as read-only in Access 2007.

According to a post on the Access Team Blog, Access 2007 cannot open a database built or modified in Access 2010 if it uses:

the Access 2010 sort order feature,
Access 2010 encryption, or
the application has been published to SharePoint.

Other new features such as Data Macros, Calculated Columns, Navigation controls, Web browser controls, and new layouts for forms and reports, are supported as read-only in Access 2007 SP2.

Features Not Supported in Access 2010

Another post at the Access Team Blog provides an overview of features and components that will be not be supported in Access 2010:

Calendar Control (mscal.ocx) The calendar control will not be shipped with Access 2010. If you open a form that inlcudes the mscal.ocx control you will see the following error: “Your Microsoft Office Access database or project contains a missing or broken reference to the file 'MSCAL.OCX’.” To fix this issue, you will need to remove the control and use The Access Date-picker or a 3rd-party control.
Report Snapshot Format In Access 2010, snapshot format for reports will not be available.
Data Access Pages (DAPs) In Access 2007 legacy DAPs were run-only. In Access 2010, DAPs are completely removed. They will be listed in navigation pane but if user attempts to open them, they will see the following error: “Microsoft Office Access does not support this operation for Data Access Pages. To perform this operation, use Microsoft Office Access 2007 or earlier.”
Paradox (3, 4, 5, 6, 7) ISAM, Lotus 1-2-3 ISAM and Red 2 ISAM or Jet 2 Export, import and linking to data from Paradox 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, Lotus 1-2-3, Access 1.0 and 2.0 (Red 2, or Jet 2) will not be available in Access 2010. User may see the following error: Installable ISAM not found. You will need Access 2007 or older in order to be able to export, import or link data from Paradox 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, Lotus 1-2-3, Access 1.0 and 2.0 (Red 2, or Jet 2) files.
Replication Conflict Viewer In Access 2007 and before, the Replication Conflict Viewer enabled users to visually display synchronization conflicts and enable resolution. The Viewer will not be shipped in Access 2010. As a workaround, you can write your own custom conflict resolution functions and mark them on the ReplicationConflictFunction property in the database replica set. Here is a link that describes how to set property so that you can create a custom procedure to resolve conflicts: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/158930.

Testing Access 2010 BETA? - Free Access Sharepoint Hosting Trial

2010-01-04T15:58:00.000-08:00

Access Hosting is a full service hosting platform and data migration service for current Access databases. They are offering a limited free hosting trial with SharePoint Server 2010 Beta for early adopters. This is a sandbox beta hosting environment designed to allow developers to try out the service without having to install and configure SharePoint.

Office 2010 Tool: Compatibility Inspector

2009-12-01T16:34:00.000-08:00

The Microsoft Office 2010 Compatibility Inspector compares legacy code against the Office 2010 object model by using a text search for known properties and methods that have changed. You can run the tool against specific projects. You also have the option to mark those areas in the code where text search has identified a possible object model match. The comment will include description of what was found along with possible remediation link to online content or help. The tool integrates with both Microsoft Visual Basic for Applications 7.0 (VBA 7) and Microsoft Visual Studio 2008. It includes a basic scanner where definitions and remediation links are updated from a central online location. It also generates a summary report and a details report. The summary includes the total lines of code scanned as well as total lines identified as potential candidates for object model changes. The details report includes the module name, line number, and links to remediation for each identified issue along with color-coded flags for impact guidance.

The tool checks compatibility for code written for the following Office applications for use with Microsoft Office 2010

Microsoft Excel 2010
Office 97
Office 2000
Office XP
Office 2003
Office 2007

You need have the following applications installed:

Microsoft .NET Framework 2.0
Microsoft Office Excel 2007
-OR-

Office 2010 scheduled for release in June 2010

2009-11-30T01:51:00.000-08:00

Microsoft has announced Office 2010 will be released in June 2010 in six different configurations (including a free version that will include Word and Excel with limited functionality and embedded ads): Starter, Home and Student, Home and Business, Standard, Professional, and Professional Plus.

New Free Access 2007 Menu Switchboard

2009-11-24T17:00:00.000-08:00

The latest free download from aadconsulitng.com. The Menu Switchboard for Access 2007 replaces the native Access Switchboard with this free superior menu switchboard, which uses the Switchboard Items table created by the native MS Access Switchboard Manager and only native Access controls. This navigation paradigm also enforces a strict SDI modal interface, hides the Access application window, and optionally hides the Access RibbonBar. The download includes a sample database.

How it works:

Import your all your databases objects into the Access2007 Menubar Switchboard ACCDB template file and rename it to match the old database name.
Place the separate library database (ACCDE) file that ships with the template file in the same folder as the renamed ACCDB.This ACCDE must be deployed with your ACCDB file
Use the native Access Switchboard Manager to build/manage your Menu Switchboard.
Set the Modal property for all forms and reports in your ACCDB to True, and decide which forms will have the Popup property set to True.
Set the form, frmMenu, as your StartUp form.
Place your custom splash image to replace the Access splash screen and your custom application icon in the same folder as your ACCDB.

Access 2010 Disappointment #1: Limited Ribbon Customisation

2009-11-23T20:03:00.000-08:00

The much-hyped customisation feature for RibbonBars in Access/Office 2010 is very limited. It allows the user to only add custom tabs to native Ribbons. You cannot create custom Ribbons in the GUI.

What's Interesting in Access 2010 BETA

2009-11-23T15:34:00.000-08:00

These recent posts from Microsoft tech blogs offer some fascinating insights into new features in Access 2010:

Office 2010 Public BETA Released

2009-11-18T13:33:00.000-08:00

Go to http://www.microsoft.com/2010/en/

Info: http://blogs.technet.com/office2010/archive/2009/11/16/announcing-office-2010-beta-availability.aspx

Access 2010 Applications in the Browser

2009-11-12T16:43:00.000-08:00

Office Blogger Dick Moffat who has attended several of Office 2010 developer kitchens recently wrote an interesting post on Access 2010 integration on Sharepoint Server 2010.

His conclusion:

"In the end Access 2010 provides the existing Access developer with a path upwards to the wonderful Browser-based world without giving up any of the capabilities of the Client version of Access. In effect what we are looking at here is what I would have to call a true “Client-Server” scenario – one that truly puts the processing and the objects always in their proper place to produce the best results – how often have we really seen that?"

Office 2010 Developer Reference Available for Download

2009-11-12T15:30:00.000-08:00

For those like me who don't want the hassles associated with installing BETAs but want a heads up on the new features, Microsoft has made available for separate download each of the Developer Reference files for all Office 2010 client applications.

Use the excellent free H2View to view the extracted HXS files.

Office 2010 Implements User-Interface Ribbon Customization

2009-11-10T15:40:00.000-08:00

Office 2010 will support what should have been in Office 2007: user-customization of RibbonBars across all Office client applications, using a paradigm similar to the right-click Customize... command available on CommandBars in pre-Office 2007 versions. More at the Microsoft Office 2010 Engineering blog.

Latest Access KB Articles

2009-11-01T13:24:00.000-08:00

Courtesy of KBAlertz.com:

Access 2003

972557 Description of the Access 2003 hotfix package (Msaccess.msp): June 30, 2009
957638 MS09-043: Vulnerabilities in Microsoft Office Web Components could allow remote code execution
947319 MS09-043: Description of the security update for Office 2003 Web Components and Office XP Web Components in Office 2003: August 11, 2009

Access 2007

972558 Performance is slow when you click fields, tab between fields, or scroll down through fields in Datasheet view in Access 2007
971859 Description of the Access 2007 hotfix package (Ace.msp): June 30, 2009
972347 Description of the Access 2007 hotfix package (Access.msp): June 30, 2009
972570 Description of the Access 2007 hotfix package (Access.msp, Mso.msp): June 30, 2009
973405 Description of the Access 2007 hotfix package (Access-x-none.msp, Ace-x-none.msp): August 25, 2009
973934 Description of the Access 2007 hotfix package (Stslist-x-none.msp): August 25, 2009
974995 Description of the Office Access 2007 hotfix package (Ace-x-none.msp, Access-x-none.msp): October 27, 2009

Get Database Management and Design Right the First Time

2009-10-13T19:18:00.000-07:00

SQLServerMag.com is featuring a new white paper on database design and maintenance:

Eliminate haphazard approaches to maintaining data
Minimize maintenance and upkeep of the database schema
Optimize data retrieval for graphs and reports
Ensure data accuracy and reliability
Support corporate goals and evolving business initiatives

New Access 2007 Articles on MSDN

2009-10-05T15:01:00.000-07:00

Free Access Stuff from aadconsulting.com

2009-08-29T17:19:00.000-07:00

A reminder of some of the Access tools available free from aadconsulting.com:

Sample Date Picker for Access Databases Versatile Vista/Win7 styling and functionality.

Kiosk Dashboard Sample Access Database Mouse-driven full-screen modal kiosk dashboard.

Access Dashboard Builder A cutting-edge tool for quickly building a fully-functional Access database dashboard. You don't need a switchboard in your existing application to build a Dashboard using the Builder, and you don't need to know VBA or wrtie any macros - the builder automatically handles everything.

Office 2007 Ribbon XML File Reviewer Open any Office 2007 Ribbon XML file to review an Office Ribbon's full menu hierarchy in a tree-view with all control attributes detailed in an adjacent panel. Extensive reference resources incorporated into the GUI.

Access 2007 USysRibbons Reviewer Add-In Preview the custom Ribbons in the USysRibbons table of an Access 2007 database. Extensive reference resources incorporated into the GUI.

Access Control Center "Get Centralized Project Management for Microsoft Access" from independent review 1 Dec 2003 by Access Advisor Zone. Open the correct version of Access. Easy compacting and decompiling, workgroup switching. Projects are managed centrally. MDBs are opened by the appropriate Access version automatically. Includes a shortcut wizard, and many other features!

Access SideBar Add-In for Access 2000/2002/2003 Uses only native Access controls: no DLLs/OCXs The easy way to navigate objects in your Access MDB, the Access SideBar is available at any time. After opening an object the SideBar is hidden, and pops-up by moving your mouse to the left edge of the screen.The SideBar window size is independent of the size of the Access application window, so you can locate all objects without resizing the application window. A custom right-click pop-up menu gives easy access to useful Access Menu commands. The download also includes a second wider version.

Classic Database MenuBar and Window for Access 2007 This free sample Access 2007 database gets you beyond the frustrations of learning the new Office 2007 Ribbon and helps you learn the location of familiar commands in the unfamiliar Ribbon environment.

A Better ZoomBox A free tool for Microsoft Access versions 97 to 2003 to edit the following control properties when designing Access Forms and Reports: Record Source, Row Source, Control Source. Full find/replace functionality and saved customization font and Enter Key settings.

Access DASHBOARD® Manage all your Access databases in one application. The DASHBOARD automatically determines in which version of JET a database was created. Each file is opened in the appropriate version of Access. Use the Shortcut Builder to create custom Desktop shortcuts. Backup, Repair, Compact, and Decompile database files without leaving the DASHBOARD.

Custom Form and Report Design Toolbar A handy Custom Toolbar for Access, for faster and less tedious resizing and positioning of form and report controls: import the Toolbar into any Access97 or later database. For example, you can resize a selected group of controls to match the smallest or largest of a group, in just two mouse-clicks.

Table Links and Connections Manager The Connection Manager will find all the Microsoft Access files in the location you select and a report will display all table links and base string connections, including dependents of, and any connect errors grouped by: Jet Version, File Type, Linked Database Paths and linked tables, and Base Connection Strings. Separate reports are produced for .mdx and .adx files.

Access Database Mechanic Automates the process of attempting to recover a corrupt MS Access database, using three operations: compact & repair, decompile, and complete rebuild of an .mdb. The applet also features a fail-safe mechanism that creates a uniquely named back-up copy of the .mdb before any recovery operation is attempted. Versions for Access 2000/2002/2003 and Access 2007.

Ezy Access 2000 Access is intimidating for new users and the learning curve is steep. Here is a new tool that makes using Access a WHOLE lot easier: an Access database for retail MS Access that lets you easily create Access databases with little or no knowledge of Access.

Ezy Debug A frustration in debugging in Access 2000 and later is the clunky rigmarole required to check/set error-trapping. Now you can dramatically simplify the process. Ezy Debug is launched from the right-click popup menu in the code window of the Access VB Editor. The applet provides quick access to the Access error-trapping settings in the code window, and once invoked it is available both in the Access Database and VBE window. The current error-trapping setting is displayed and can be hanged on the fly...

2009-08-29T17:04:00.000-07:00

Latest Access 2007 Technical Articles and VBA Code Samples on MSDN

Basics for Building Access 2007 Runtime-Based Solutions
Building SQL Statements that Include Variables and Controls in Access 2007
Constructing Modern Time Elapsed Strings in Access 2007
Counting the Number of Working Days in Access 2007
Creating Managed Add-ins for Access 2007
Customizing the Office Fluent User Interface in Access 2007
Deploying Access 2007 Runtime-Based Solutions
Developing Access 2007 Solutions with Native C or C++
Developer Considerations for Choosing File Formats in Access 2007
Error Handling and Debugging Tips for Access 2007, VB, and VBA
Integrating Workflows into Access 2007 Applications
Performance Tips to Speed Up Your Access 2007 Database
Security Considerations and Guidance for Access 2007
Tips and Techniques for Queries in Access 2007
Transitioning Your Existing Access Applications to Access 2007
Using Excel Date Functions in Access 2007
Using SQL Server 2008 Table-valued Parameters in Access 2007

Elapsed Time Sample Database for Access 2007
Excel 2007 Pivot Table Filtering
Excel Functions Sample Database for Access 2007
InfoPath 2007 Localizing Form Templates Sample
Working Days Sample Database for Access 2007

2009-07-27T03:36:00.000-07:00

NEW Free Sample Date Picker for Access Databases

My latest free download is a versatile date-picker featuring Vista/Windows7 styling and functionality:

Download the Access 2000 sample database from aadconsulting.com

2009-07-26T00:41:00.000-07:00

NEW Free Kiosk Dashboard Sample Access Database

My latest free mouse-driven full-screen modal kiosk dashboard for Access 2000 and later is available here.

2009-07-23T00:44:00.000-07:00

NEW Super Dashboard Switchboard and Builder
for Microsoft© 2002/2003/2007

Easily build complex dashboard of multiple switchboards of different types:
classic list or nested treeview

The latest Access switchboard product from aadconsulting.com is the exciting Super Dashboard Switchboard and Builder.

Replace the native Access Switchboards with this superior dashboard of up to 8 switchboards, which uses native Access controls for the SideBar and the MSCOMCTL.OCX TreeView and ImageList controls for the treeview switchboard. Each switchboard can be either a classic items switchboard or a fully nested treeview switchboard. A treeview can contain up to 1,000 nodes, and a classic items list can contain up to 16 items.

Included is the advanced Dashboard Builder MDE which fully automates the creation and maintenance of the Dashboard and each switchboard.

Try it now

2009-07-22T20:57:00.000-07:00

New Features in Access 2010

The Access Team Blog has provided details of some new feature in Access 2010:

The new Getting Started window includes community templates.
Integration with Office themes
A new navigation control enables code-less web tab style navigation.
A revamped macro designer makes it easier to "write more powerful, readable logic while IntelliSense speeds up development and reduces errors",
Centralized business logic. Data macros to write logic behind tables similar to SQL triggers makes it easier to maintain applications by centralizing business logic:

Landing pad for data. A new Web Browser control gives users the ability to create Web 2.0 mash-ups and display web content in the application.
Integration with Business Connectivity Services (BCS) allows creation of read-only link tables to LOB web services, to enable users to make use of trusted and validated data.
SharePoint performance and offline access. Access 2010 extends the ability of Access 2007 with improvements to the Sharepoint link table cache. In the new offline mode listst data is cached in local tables to improve large list performance. When server connectivity is lost, the database goes into offline mode. When connectivity is restored, Access automatically synchronizes data changes.
Browser apps. Access 2010 will make it easier to share databases in the browser, and more information will be available after the SharePoint Developer Conference in October 2009.

2009-07-22T20:28:00.000-07:00

Useful VBA Code for Office Applications

The following recent blog posts provide some very useful code:

From VBA Tips & Tricks How to save a Word 2007 document as a PDF
From Daily Access Tips A generic form data validation function. The sample code calls the function from the form's VBA module's OpenForm event. You could streamline the call by using a no-module form where the function is assigned to the OnOpen Event in the form's properties dialog: =SetValidatorEventHandlers(Me)

2009-07-13T15:27:00.000-07:00

Office 2010 Limited Technical Test Build Out Today

Microsoft is today releasing a limited technical test build of Office 2010 PRO to a group of testers on the Connect download site.

The technical preview of the Office Web versions of Word, Excel, PowerPoint and OneNote will be out in in August.

Source: TechRepublic.com

2009-07-09T00:17:00.000-07:00

New Web 2.0 Switchboard for MS Access

I have just relased a great new Web 2.0 Switchboard for MS Access offering all the rich functionality of a Web 2.0 gui without OCXs or DLLs - using only native Access controls:

Check out the full demos here.

2009-07-04T18:35:00.000-07:00

Latest Access KB Articles

Courtesy of KBAlertz.com:

Access 2000

971815 No Data Appears on Data Access Pages opened in Internet Explorer 8.0

Access 2002

969403 Description of the update for Access 2002 (Vbe6.msp): April 27, 2009

Access 2003

972557 Description of the Access 2003 hotfix package (Msaccess.msp): June 30, 2009

Access 2007

968245 Description of the Access 2007 hotfix package (Ace.msp, Mso.msp): February 24, 2009

970233 Description of the Access 2007 hotfix package (Access.msp): April 30, 2009

969406 Description of the Access 2007 hotfix package (Access-nl-nl.msp): April 30, 2009

970727 Not all 2007 Office SP1 .msp files in the MSE package are installed if you apply the package on a computer that has the February 2009, March 2009, or April 2009 public update or the February 2009 cumulative update installed

968861 Description of the Access 2007 hotfix package (Ace.msp): April 30, 2009

969613 MS09-027: Description of the security update for the 2007 Office system and for the Compatibility Pack for the 2007 Office system: June 9, 2009

971859 Description of the Access 2007 hotfix package (Ace.msp): June 30, 2009

972558 Performance is slow when you click fields, tab between fields, or scroll down through fields in Datasheet view in Access 2007

972570 Description of the Access 2007 hotfix package (Access.msp, Mso.msp): June 30, 2009

972347 Description of the Access 2007 hotfix package (Access.msp): June 30, 2009

2009-06-03T15:53:00.000-07:00

New Access Query Tutorial Series on Office Online

This series is available for free on the Access 2007 training courses page on Office Online:

Queries I: Get started with queries
Queries II: Create basic select queries
Queries III: Use expressions and other criteria
Queries IV: Use functions and calculated fields in your queries
Queries V: Use "And", "Or", and "In" to set multiple conditions
Queries VI: Use wildcards in queries and parameters
Queries VII: Query multiple sources for data
Queries VIII: Dealing with ambiguous joins

Ezy SQL Editor and Builder New v1.4 The ultimate Access query assistant: font options, find and replace, keywords assistant, parameter wizard, SQL string parsing & formatting, table and field references, insert formatted SQL Strings into modules or copy to the Clipboard, preview action queries, and more...

2009-05-25T03:07:00.000-07:00

Glenn Lloyd Access MVP Blogs

I have come across two blogs by Access MVP Glenn Lloyd, which offer very useful guidance on MS Office and Access:

Argee's Access Blog A new blog where Glenn is progressively building a sample Access database. This offers budding Access users and developers the opportunity to progressively follow an expert developer build a business application.
Argee's Office Help Blog In this blog, Glenn has since 2007 been posting a series of tips and tricks for Office users. The articles are comprehensive and fully supported with explanatory graphics.

2009-05-23T00:51:00.000-07:00

New Version 1.4 of Ezy SQL Editor and Builder

I have just launched a major upgrade of my Ezy SQL Builder & Editor Add-In for Access 2000/2002/2003/2007. This new version offers a rich extension of functionality, including:

Ezy SQL is now available both in the Access Database Window and the Office VBA Editor, so you can easily switch from one environment to the other and shuttle between each environment.
The Ezy SQL Editor - Edit SQL and the Ezy SQL String Builder dialogs now work in partnership with the Ezy SQL VBA Plug-In dialog, which is available in any code module and allows you to easily edit a SQL string from a module.
The Access SQL Help file is now directly accessible from within the Ezy SQL Builder.

Other features include:

Font Name and Font Size Customization
Find and Replace functionality
SQL Keywords Assistant
Parameter Wizard
SQL String Parser/Formatter
Easy insertion of table and field references
Insert formatted SQL Strings into modules or copy to the Clipboard
Preview action queries...

Check out the full functionality of Ezy SQL v1.4 here.

2009-05-22T20:54:00.000-07:00

How to Build an Access 2007 Ribbon

Access MVP Garry Robinson has posted a useful article on building custom Access 2007 ribbons using the tool IDBE Ribbon Creator tool from http://www.ribboncreator.de/en/.

You should also checkout an article I wrote in December How Custom Access 2007 Ribbons Work.

I will take this opportunity to promote two free tools I have developed for reviewing custom ribbons that you can download from aadconsulting.com:

These tools providing advanced Office 2007 RibbonX review features. Open any Office 2007 Ribbon XML file in the XML File Reviewer to review an Office Ribbon's full menu hierarchy in a tree-view with all control attributes detailed in an adjacent panel.

The Access 2007 USysRibbons Add-In reviews and previews the custom Ribbons in the USysRibbons table of an Access 2007 database. Extensive reference resources are incorporated into the GUI of both products. Both tools require Access 2007.

The Access Ribbon Review in action (click on the image to enlarge):

2009-05-22T19:05:00.000-07:00

Microsoft SQL Server 2008 Books Online (May 2009)

Download the documentation and tutorials for Microsoft SQL Server 2008.

2009-05-12T20:09:00.000-07:00

SQL Server 2008 Developer Training Kit

The SQL Server 2008 Developer Training Kit from Microsoft will help you understand how to build web applications using the rich data types, programming models and new development paradigms in SQL Server 2008.

2009-05-11T17:26:00.000-07:00

Official Office 2010 Blog Launched

Yesterday at TechNet 2009, Microsoft announced that the limited Technical Preview program for Office 2010 will kick off in July. In tandem with this announcement, the Office 2010 Blog has been launched with the stated aim of helping "IT professionals and enthusiasts get a better idea of what we are building with Office 2010 and discuss the key issues that matter to you ".
A tie-in promotional video has also been produced.

A post on the Office 2010 Blog confirms that:

Office 2010 will be available in both 32-bit and 64-bit versions
Office 2010 will run on Windows XP SP3, Windows Vista, and Windows 7
Hardware running Office 2007 will support Office 2010

2009-05-04T22:35:00.000-07:00

VB 6 Security Fix

A security issue has been identified that could allow an attacker to compromise Windows-based systems running Microsoft Visual Basic 6.0 Service Pack 6. Microsoft Visual Basic 6.0 Service Pack 6 Cumulative Update ( 10mb 4May09) fixes this issue.

2009-04-30T15:57:00.000-07:00

Free Access Tools from Access MVP Bob Larson

Check out Bob's web site for a cool collection of free Access tools and other useful Access tutorials and resources: btabdevelopment.com.

2009-04-30T00:46:00.000-07:00

Access 2007 Runtime Service Pack 2 Now Available

Details: 957262 Description of the Microsoft Office Access 2007 Runtime Service Pack 2.

SP2 Downloads:

2009-04-29T15:59:00.000-07:00

Update for Access 2007 Help - April 28, 2009

Microsoft has released updated Help (HxS) files for Microsoft Office Access 2007. This update contains the latest revisions and additions to Access Help and to Access Developer Help.

2009-04-28T15:25:00.000-07:00

Office 2007 Service Pack 2 Out Now

Office 2007 SP2 can be downloaded from here.

SP2 includes two types of fixes:

Previously unreleased fixes that were made specifically for the service pack, and in addition to general product fixes, improvements in stability, performance, and security. Product-specific changes are are set out in MS KB Article 953195.
All hotfixes released through to February 2009.

2009-04-15T01:12:00.000-07:00

Two free e-Books from Microsoft Press

To celebrate its 25th anniversary, Microsoft Press is offering until April 22 two free e-books:

Windows Small Business Server 2008 Administrator's Companion by Charlie Russel and Sharon Crawford (27 chapters, 3 appendices, 712 pages)

Microsoft Visual Basic 2008 Express Edition: Build a Program Now! by Patrice Pelland (9 chapters, Glossary, 254 pages)

Download here

2009-04-15T00:59:00.000-07:00

Office 2007 Service Pack 2 due April 28

The Microsoft Update Product Team Blog has announced that Office 2007 SP2 will be available for download on April 28. Details are available here.

Access updates include:

The ability to export reports to Excel
Fixes for issues with the import data wizards, report printing and previewing, macros, Excel integration, and date filters.
Updates to Access Developer Extensions now included in SP2

2009-04-10T16:20:00.000-07:00

Office 2007 SP2 Out This Month

According to Bink.nu, Office 2007 Service Pack 2 will be made available to Windows Server Update Services in April.

SP2 includes: built-in saving of documents in ODF & PDF formats, improvements to Outlook’s performance and calendar reliability, significant bug fixes for charts in core Office applications, the ability for client service packs to be removed using an uninstall tool, user-requested enhancements, and a roll-up of all fixes that have previously been released for Office 2007 products.

2009-04-07T20:10:00.000-07:00

SQL Server 2008 Updates April 2009

2009-03-26T17:09:00.000-07:00

Office 2003 Mainstream Support Ends April 2009

Along with Windows XP and Windows Server 2003 SP1, Microsoft is ending mainstream (free) support for Office 2003 on April 14, 2009. Full details.

Strange when you consider WinXP Home is still being pre-loaded on most new netbooks. I would think also that Access 2003 is still the version of choice for Office developers.

2009-03-20T22:22:00.000-07:00

Office 14 to Ship as 32-bit and 64-bit Versions

According to a post at ZD.Net, the most recent build of Windows 7 reveals that the next version of Office will be available in a 64-bit version.

2009-03-18T15:15:00.000-07:00

Latest Access Resources Links

Check out these very useful Access links:

2009-03-04T20:59:00.000-08:00

Office 14 Will Definitely Run on Windows XP

In an interview yesterday Microsoft Business Software SVP Chris Capossela confirmed Office 14 will run on Windows XP. Source: Bink.nu

2009-03-03T22:07:00.000-08:00

Two Excellent Coding Blogs for Access Developers

I recently discovered these two bogs maintained by Shanmuga Sundara Raman Murugan, a Systems Engineer:

2009-02-27T19:02:00.000-08:00

Latest Access KB Articles

Courtesy of KBAlertz.com:

Access 2007

958786 Description of the Access 2007 hotfix package (Ace.msp): October 28, 2008
957690 Description of the Access 2007 hotfix package (Access.msp): October 28, 2008
958695 Description of the 2007 Office hotfix package (Stslist.msp): October 28, 2008
958846 Error message when you try to create a new database in Access 2007: "Template could not be instantiated"
957241 Description of the update for Access 2007 Help: November 11, 2008
960307 Description of the Access 2007 hotfix package (Access.msp): December 16, 2008
967699 Description of the Microsoft Office Access 2007 hotfix package (Ace.msp): February 24, 2009
962214 Description of the Office Access 2007 hotfix package (Access.msp): February 24, 2009

Access 2003

958884 Description of the Access 2003 post-Service Pack 3 hotfix package (Msaccess.msp): October 28, 2008
960420 Description of the Access 2003 hotfix package (Vbe6.msp): December 16, 2008
960319 Description of the Access 2003 hotfix package (Msaccess.msp): December 16, 2008
962917 Description of the Office 2003 hotfix package (Stslist.msp): February 24, 2009

2009-02-25T13:28:00.000-08:00

No Office 14 for 2009

In a briefing with Wall Street analysts on Tuesday, Steve Ballmer said Office 14 will not ship 2009.

In January Microsoft released to selected customers an alpha version of Office 14, which includes a new Office for Sales SKU. According to ZDNet blogger Mary-Jo Foley, a first beta may appear mid-year, with the actual product shipping in 2010. Source

2009-02-12T21:15:00.000-08:00

More Free Access Legacy Tools

Following yesterday's post, I have retired two more Access tools and these are now available for free download from aadconsulting.com:

Smart Form Builder Standard Build Access forms with navigation and auto-filtering instantly. All controls are pre-named using a standard naming convention. Launch as an Access Form Wizard or from the Add-Ins menu. Header or footer location for navigation buttons. Image or text on button faces.

Smart Form 97 (smtfrm97.zip - 80kb)
Smart Form 2000/2002/2003 (smtfrm2k.zip - 80kb)

Smart Toolbar Automatically adds full record navigation and autofiltering to any Access data form, by setting only one form property and adding three lines of code behind the form. The download file includes a sample form demonstrating SmartToolbar.

SmartToolbar 97 (smttlb97.zip - 90kb)
SmartToolbar 2000 (smttlb2k.zip - 90kb)
SmartToolbar 2002/2003 (smttlbxp.zip - 90kb)

2009-02-11T22:08:00.000-08:00

Free Legacy Access Tools

I have retired some Access add-in products and these are now available for free download from aadconsulting.com:

Data Integrity Wizard Simplifies the process of finding duplicate record entries, null values, and like values in database tables, and checks referential integrity between related tables.

Data Integrity Wizard 97 (datint97.zip - 52kb)
Data Integrity Wizard 2000 for Access2000/2002/2003 (datint2k.zip - 44kb)

Ezy Dialog Form Wizard Instantly create Access dialog forms.

Ezy Dialog 97 (ezydlg97.zip - 45kb)
Ezy Dialog 2000/2002/2003 (ezydlg2k.zip - 65kb)

Access Knowledge Base Browser The easy way to search the on-line Microsoft Access Knowledge Base. Nearly 3,000 article references.

KB Browser v1.3.1 (kbbrws.zip - 1.5mb)

Vizual Dezigner Easy and intuitive. Drill down into a hierarchy of all the tables, relations, and fields in your database. You can view selected field properties, and create and delete tables and fields, set indexes, create table relations, and edit other field properties.

Vizual Dezigner 97 (vizdez97.zip - 1mb)
Vizual Dezigner 2000/2002/2003 (vizdez2k.zip - 1mb)

Table Warehouse The ultimate source for pre-designed Access tables. Choose from 120 tables. Users can add their own tables to the Warehouse from within the Add-In.

Table Warehouse 97 (tblwh97.zip - 320kb)
Table Warehouse 2000/2002/2003 (tblwh2k.zip - 340kb)

Super Code and Button Builder Easier than macros! All 333 Access97 menu commands at your fingertips. The code builder is available in modules and inserts the code directly into your procedure. The button builder automatically creates a command button with code in form design view.

Super Code and Button Builder 97 (supcmd97.zip - 42kb)
Super Command Button Builder 2000/2002/2003 (supbtn2k.zip - 42kb)

Vizual Relations The smart way to print Access relationships.

Vizual Relations 97 (vizrel97.zip - 33kb)
Vizual Relations 2000 for Access 2000/2002/2003 (vizrel2k.zip - 45kb)

2009-02-10T15:46:00.000-08:00

Automate Data Collection Using E-Mails in Access 2007

A new feature in Access 2007 is the Collect Data Through E-mail Messages Wizard, which works with Outlook 2007 to generate and send an e-mail message that includes a data entry form. When recipients fill out and return a form, the replies are processed according to your specifications. For example, if you choose to have the replies automatically processed, the contents of the form are added to the appropriate table in your database as soon as the reply hits your Outlook In-box. This article on Office Online shows you how to use the Wizard: Collect data by using e-mail messages.

A post on the Access Team Blog today runs through advanced use of the data collection feature to automate data collection forms using VBA.

2009-02-08T16:46:00.001-08:00

SQL Server Express 2008 Now Available for Download

Version 10.00.1600.22 of SQL Server Express 2008 was released today.

Downloads:

2009-01-21T19:02:00.000-08:00

ADP Developers: Stick With SQL Server 2005

The MS Access Team Blog has today posted this advice:

Access 2007 ADP’s will run against SQL Server 2008 but do not support designing server objects (tables, views, stored procedures, functions and relationships).
SQL Server 2008 shipped after Office 2007 SP1 and after MS had locked down all the fixes for Office 2007 SP2 (coming out in a few months).
If you rely on the design features of ADP’s it is recommended that you stick with SQL Server 2005.
If you do make the move to SQL Server 2008 use the SQL Server Management Studio to design your server objects.

2009-01-19T22:45:00.000-08:00

Free Bug Tracking Access 2007 Database Application available for download

This new the template is available in the Access Getting Started screen in the business category and on Office Online. These on-line videos will help you get started:

2009-01-19T22:37:00.000-08:00

New Access 2007 Demo:
Bring your business data together in an Access database

The Microsoft Office On-line portal today issued for download a new sample Access 2007 database dashboard application which integrates business contact data with an address book, lists of orders, file folders, and ledgers. View the associated article on Office Online.

2009-01-19T22:26:00.000-08:00

New Version of Access 2007 Developer Extensions

The Jan09 version of the Access 2007 Access Developer Extensions package is available for download.

The Access 2007 Developer Extensions provide packaging and deployment tools and licensing and distribution agreements for deploying Access 2007 applications. The Access Developer Extensions include the following components:

Package Solution Wizard A wizard that creates a Windows Installer Package (MSI) to install your database and any supporting files and optionally includes the Access 2007 Runtime, or prompts the user to download the Access 2007 Runtime.
Save As Template Enables you to create database templates (ACCDTs) that can be featured in the Access 2007 Getting Started screen.
Source Code Control Integration with Microsoft Visual SourceSafe or other source code control systems to allow check-in/check-out of queries, forms, reports, macros, modules, and data. You can also see the differences that have been made to your checked out objects.

The Access 2007 Developer Extensions do not include the Property Scanner and the Custom Startup Wizard that were included in previous versions.

The Access 2007 Runtime is also available as a download.

2008-12-30T16:02:00.000-08:00

New Hot Fix for Access 2007

The fix is available at http://support.microsoft.com/kb/960307.

Issues fixed include:

You experience slower performance than you did in previous versions when you share a database file over a network.
You may notice your database file increase in increments of 4 KB without any user interaction when the database is open.
You may see a sub-form become blank after you set the main form’s recordset. You may also receive the following error: “Run-time error 2467 – The expression you entered does not exist”.
When you make a change in a code module in an Access 2007 database under source code control, the changes are not saved if you do the following:

Close the Visual Basic Editor without saving the changes
Check the Object back in
Use the Get Last Version feature to view the latest changes.

2008-12-15T23:34:00.000-08:00

Latest SQL Server Updates (December 2008)

Microsoft SQL Server 2005 Service Pack 3
Feature Pack for Microsoft SQL Server 2005 - December 2008
A collection of standalone install packages that provide additional value for SQL Server 2005.
SQL Server 2005 Books Online
Microsoft SQL Server 2005 Data Mining Add-ins for Microsoft Office 2007
This package includes two add-ins for Microsoft Office Excel 2007 (Table Analysis Tools and Data Mining Client) and one add-in for Microsoft Office Visio 2007 (Data Mining Templates).
Microsoft SQL Server 2005 Express Edition Service Pack 3
Microsoft SQL Server 2005 Express Edition with Advanced Services Service Pack 3
Microsoft SQL Server Management Studio Express Service Pack 3
Microsoft SQL Server Management Studio Express (SSMSE) is a free, easy-to-use graphical management tool for managing SQL Server 2005 Express Edition and SQL Server 2005 Express Edition with Advanced Services.

2008-11-19T16:38:00.000-08:00

Image Formats

The Aivosto VB Shop has posted a very useful guide to image formats from a developer's perspective. Aivosto produces a number of handy coding tools for VB and VBA.

2008-11-16T12:29:00.000-08:00

Download Updated Office 2007 Help Files

Microsoft has released updated Help files for Office 2007: