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