ACC: Microsoft Access and Untested Networks

• Microsoft Access versions 1.0, 1.1, 2.0, 7.0, 97

SUMMARY

Moderate: Requires basic macro, coding, and interoperability skills.

This article describes some of the anomalies that can occur when you are using Microsoft Access with networks that have not been tested with Microsoft Access. These networks include DEC Pathworks, Sun PC-NFS, IBM PC-LAN Server, and others.

MORE INFORMATION

Microsoft Access has been tested and verified as supportable on the following networks: Microsoft LAN Manager, Windows for Workgroups, Novell NetWare versions 2.x and 3.x, Artisoft Lantastic, and Banyan VINES. In Microsoft Access 7.0 and 97, only Microsoft Networks and Novell have been tested and verified as supportable.

Many other network types (including IBM PC-LAN Server, DEC Pathworks, and Sun PC-NFS) have experienced erratic behavior and only limited success with Microsoft Access. Irregular behaviors on these network types can include:

• An inability to install Microsoft Access to a network drive.
• An inability to run the Workstation Setup after a successful Admin Setup.
• An inability to open a multiuser file (non-exclusively).
• Multiple users cannot update a record correctly.
• Unexplained database corruption or data loss.

However, just because we have not tested Microsoft Access with a particular network does not mean that the network will not work with Microsoft Windows. Microsoft Windows has been tested with far more networks than has Microsoft Access. It is a good idea, before purchasing any product, to check with the product's manufacturer as to the product's compatibility with your network.

The third-party products discussed here are manufactured by vendors independent of Microsoft; we make no warranty, implied or otherwise, regarding these products' performance or reliability.