Access mdw files

It seems as though the database has some kind of switch set that won't allow access unless it is through the front-end application. When I try to import the tables into another database, it doesn't ask me for a username or password and just gives me a message saying that I do not have the necessary permissions to open the database. BUG: Workgroup information file is reset to default System.

It really sounds like an MDW issue. Are you trying to create this new shortcut on the same machine where the database opens correctly not using the shortcut? Are you opening the Access application and then browsing to the file? Using a shortcut? The paths in the shortcut are correct and the database is not corrupted as I can see data through the front-end application. I appreciate the time you have spent trying to help.

I have to find a solution. The database and the front-end application sit on a Windows server which is accessed through RDP. It is all really old and desperately needs updating, which is what I am trying to do. I created the shortcut which is also in that same folder and when I access the shortcut, I am logged on to the server as a registered user for the system.

The shortcut seems to get me through to the MDW file, but the credentials, which I know are correct, does not allow Access to open the main database saying that the username and password are incorrect.

When I use the front-end application, I have to RDP onto the server and I use a shortcut to the application, which then asks me for my username and password. When I enter those credentials, it takes me into the application which pulls the data from the database. The database is not corrupted. I am wondering if the application includes something that I am unaware of, like an "authenticated" flag when it opens the database.

There must be a way for the developers to have opened the database through the Access GUI. Quite a problem, hey? If you can open a database and see all its objects, then you could create an empty DB and try export all objects from your DB to a new database. Opening the database is what I am trying to do. You may want to Backup the default System. MDW file , even if you don't know why yet. This is less of a FAQ and more of a comprehensive manual and how-to guide.

I cannot stress enough the quality and completeness of the Security FAQ. Get it now; read it later. Let me first attempt to explain the immediate problem.

The workgroup information file, or WIF, stores your user and group information. It stores the usernames and passwords. Each workgroup information file, or. In fact each user has a 'PID' which, combined with their username and the workgroup PIDs, generates an unique code that Access uses to determine your permissions. So where am I going with this? Every Access install, for every version of Access, uses a default workgroup file that has the same workgroup PIDs, the same username "Admin" and the same PID for that user.

So if you are trying to secure a database by modifying the default workgroup file, you're already out of luck! Anyone using another computer already has the appropriate set of PIDs, by default, to walk right through your security. So this is a big gotcha. Stack Overflow for Teams — Collaborate and share knowledge with a private group. Create a free Team What is Teams? Collectives on Stack Overflow. Learn more. How to use an. Asked 8 years, 5 months ago. Active 3 months ago. Viewed 32k times.

Can someone tell me how to open the. Improve this question. Gord Thompson k 28 28 gold badges silver badges bronze badges. ErickTreetops ErickTreetops 2, 4 4 gold badges 23 23 silver badges 32 32 bronze badges. Add a comment. Active Oldest Votes. Improve this answer. Gord Thompson Gord Thompson k 28 28 gold badges silver badges bronze badges. That worked.