Over 60 Free Controls from DevExpress!

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

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 The old Switchboard form has been replaced by a cool web 2.0 style Navigation Form using a tabs paradigm of up to two levels.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

Office Release Date Announced

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

Office 2010: Understanding 64-Bit Office

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

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

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

Access 2010 Gotchas

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

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

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

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

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:

1. Import your all your databases objects into the Access2007 Menubar Switchboard ACCDB template  file and rename it to match the old database name.
2. 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
   
3. Use the native Access Switchboard Manager to build/manage your Menu Switchboard.
4. 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.  
5. Set the form, frmMenu, as your StartUp form.
6. 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

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

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

• The New Access 2010 Create Ribbon
• Build Navigation UIs with Access 2010
• Access 2010 Services Overview and Install Information
• Access 2010: Publish to SharePoint - Part 1
• Access 2010: Improved Layouts 
• Access 2010: Trusted Databases
• Access 2010 Themes
• Access 2010 Custom Themes
• Access 2010 Data Macros
• Access 2010 Custom Ribbons Made Easy

Office 2010 Public BETA Released

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

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

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

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

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

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

• Performance Tips To Speed Up Your Access 2007 Database
• Error Handling and Debugging Tips for Access 2007, VB, and VBA
• Tips and Techniques for Queries in Access 2007

Free Access Stuff from aadconsulting.com

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...

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

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

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.

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

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.

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)

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

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.

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

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...

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:

1. 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.
   
   
2. 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.
   

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.

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:

• Office 2007 Ribbon XML File Reviewer
• Access 2007 USysRibbons Reviewer Add-In
  

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):

Microsoft SQL Server 2008 Books Online (May 2009)

Download the documentation and tutorials for Microsoft SQL Server 2008.

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.

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

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.

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.

Access 2007 Runtime Service Pack 2 Now Available

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

SP2 Downloads:

• Office 2007 SP2
• Update for Access Runtime and Data Connectivity 2007 SP2
• Download: Full Access SP2 Runtime
• More info
  

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.

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.

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

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

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.

SQL Server 2008 Updates April 2009

• SQL Server 2008 Service Pack 1
• Microsoft SQL Server 2008 Feature Pack
• Microsoft SQL Server 2008 Reporting Services Add-in for Microsoft SharePoint Technologies

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.

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.

Latest Access Resources Links

Check out these very useful Access links:

• DataPig Technologies: Freeware
• DataPig Technologies: Access Tutorials
• FMS: Technical Papers -VBA
• FMS: Access Tips and Techniques
• FMS: Access Best Practice
• FMS: Access 2007 Forms Tips
• FMS: Top New Features in Access 2007

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

Two Excellent Coding Blogs for Access Developers

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

• VBA Tips & Tricks
  
  
• SQL Tips & Tricks

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

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

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)

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)

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.

SQL Server Express 2008 Now Available for Download

Version 10.00.1600.22 of SQL Server Express 2008 was released today.

Downloads:

• SQL Server Express 2008
• SQL Server Express 2008 with Tools

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.

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:

• Configure the Bugs template
• Use the Bugs template
  

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Download Updated Office 2007 Help Files

Microsoft has released updated Help files for Office 2007:

• Access 2007
  
• Word 2007
• PowerPoint 2007
• Excel 2007
• Publisher 2007
• Outlook 2007

Access in the Cloud: Beta Testers Required

The Microsoft Sync Framework and SQL Services team are working on a new framework that allows Access developers to store their application and data in a Web 2.0 cloud using SQL Server Data Services, and they are looking for beta testers.

The initiative was announced yesterday at PDC and is code-named Huron, a set of synchronization processes built atop of the sync functionality in SQL Data Services’ cloud database and the Microsoft Sync Framework to provide business database sharing, and offers a a "simple" way to scale data to large numbers of users while not parting from the investment made in current technologies. It also enables users to subscribe and then edit the data locally in the format of their choice whether that is Office Access, SQL Server Express or SQL Server Compact and then push changes into SQL Data Services.

More details are available here on the Access Team Blog.

MS Office Inside Your WebBrowser



Microsoft today announced at the Professional Developers Conference in Los Angeles that it plans to deliver Office Web applications – lightweight versions of Office – through the web browser.

Chris Capossela, Senior Vice President, Microsoft Business Division said : "As part of the next release of Office, we’re announcing that Microsoft will deliver Office Web applications - lightweight versions of Word, Excel, PowerPoint and OneNote - through a browser. With these new applications, people can use a browser to create, edit, and collaborate on Office documents. What’s great is that this provides a consistent Office experience when and where our customers want it, regardless of whether they are accessing their Office documents through the PC, phone, or browser.".

Full Story

Office 2007 SP2 Slated for Early 2009

An MS TechNet blog has announced that Service Pack 2 for Office 2o07 will be released on a date between February and April 2009.

Some details of changes in Office desktop applications in SP2 have been included in the announcement:

• Improved Outlook Calendaring Reliability
• Improved Outlook Performance
• Enabling Object Model support for Charts in PowerPoint and Word
• Improved cryptographic functionality by supporting all cryptographic algorithms offered by the operating system
• Improved functionality in Excel’s charting mechanism
• Ability to un-group SmartArt graphics and add animations in PowerPoint
• Ability for Visio to export UML models to an XML file compliant with the XMI standard
• Tool that enables the un-install of Office client Service Packs

Microsoft SQL Server 2008 Feature Pack: October 2008

Download the Microsoft SQL Server 2008 Feature Pack, a collection of stand-alone install packages that provide additional value for SQL Server 2008:

File Name: instructions_enu.htm
Version: 10.00.1600.60
Date Published: 10/17/2008
Language: English
Download Size: 29 KB - 37.9 MB

Microsoft SQL Server 2008 Reporting Services: Report Builder 2.0

Microsoft SQL Server 2008 Report Builder 2.0 provides an intuitive report authoring environment for business and power users. It supports the full capabilities of SQL Server 2008 Reporting Services.

This download provides a stand-alone installer for Report Builder 2.0:

File Name: ReportBuilder.msi
Version: 10.00.1600.60
Date Published: 10/17/2008
Language: English
Download Size: 18.7 MB

Latest Access KB Articles

Courtesy of KBAlertz.com:

Access 2007

• 952699 Description of the Access 2007 hotfix package: May 23, 2008
• 954570 Description of the Access 2007 hotfix package: June 24, 2008
• 956054 Description of the Access 2007 hotfix package: August 26, 2008
• 956838 Description of the Access 2007 hotfix package: August 26, 2008
• 951944 MS08-055: Description of the security update for the 2007 Office system and for the Compatibility Pack for the 2007 Office system: September 9, 2008
• 954326 MS08-052: Description of the security update for GDI+ for the 2007 Office system: September 9, 2008
• 956054 Description of the Access 2007 hotfix package: August 26, 2008
• 956838 Description of the Access 2007 hotfix package: August 26, 2008

Access 2000-2003

• 955179 Microsoft Security Advisory: Vulnerability in Snapshot Viewer for Microsoft Access could allow remote code execution
• 954193 Description of the Jet 4.0 Database Engine cumulative hotfix package for Windows XP SP2 and SP3, Windows Server 2003 SP1 and SP2, Windows Vista, Windows Vista SP1, and Windows Server 2008: July 2, 2008
• 955441 MS08-041: Description of the security update for Access Snapshot Viewer 2000: August 12, 2008
• 955617 MS08-041: Vulnerability in the ActiveX Control for the Snapshot Viewer for Microsoft Access could allow remote code execution
• 955440 MS08-041: Description of the security update for Access Snapshot Viewer 2002: August 12, 2008
• 955439 MS08-041: Description of the security update for Access Snapshot Viewer 2003: August 12, 2008
• 956722 Description of the Access 2003 hotfix package: August 20, 2008
• 954593 MS08-052: Vulnerabilities in GDI+ could allow remote code execution
• 956722 Description of the Access 2003 hotfix package: August 20, 2008
• 954478 MS08-052: Description of the security update for GDI+ for Office 2003: September 9, 2008
• 953404 MS08-055: Description of the security update for Office 2003: September 9, 2008
• 956131 Description of the Office 2003 hotfix package: August 20, 2008
• 956575 Description of the Office 2003 hotfix package: August 7, 2008
• 954192 Only the first 12,000 tables appear in the Link Tables dialog box in Microsoft Access 2000, Microsoft Access 2002, or Microsoft Office Access 2003
• 957198 MS08-041: Description of the security update for Access Snapshot Viewer: August 12, 2008

Free SQL Server 2008 eBook

Download for free the eBook version of the new Microsoft book: Introducing Microsoft SQL Server 2008.

Security Update for Access Snapshot Viewer 2003 (KB957198)

A security vulnerability exists in the Snapshot Viewer that could allow arbitrary code to run when you open a maliciously modified web page or document. This update resolves that vulnerability:

File Name:	access2003-kb957198-fullfile-x86-glb.exe
Version:	1.0
KB Article:	KB957198
Date Published:	10/14/2008
Language:	English
Download Size:	1.1 MB

Download Office 2007 Data Connectivity Components v2.0

This download will install a set of components that can be used by non-Microsoft Office applications to read data from Office 2007 files such as Access 2007 (mdb and accdb) files and Office Excel 2007 (xls, xlsx, and xlsb) files. Connectivity to text files is also supported.

ODBC and OLEDB drivers are installed for application developers to use in developing their applications with connectivity to Office file formats.

Microsoft advises that the Office 2007 Drivers are not designed as a general replacement for Jet: if you need a general replacement for Jet you should use SQL Server Express Edition.

File Name: AccessDatabaseEngine.exe
Version: 2
Date Published: October 3, 2008
Download Size: 25.3 MB