In a multiuser environment, more than one person might be working with the same records at the same time. Since other people can change or even delete the same data you're trying to edit, you might occasionally conflict with others as they work.
Microsoft Access helps you keep track of the status of records as you edit them, and makes sure you're using the latest data. When two or more people try to edit the same record, Microsoft Access displays messages that help you resolve conflicts. For example, if you try to save a record that another user has locked, Microsoft Access displays the name of the person who locked that record.
To help you keep track of the status of records, Microsoft Access displays the following symbols in the current record selector.
| Symbol | Meaning |
|---|---|
|
This record is the current record and hasn't been edited. |
|
You have edited this record, but you haven't saved your changes yet. As long as this symbol is displayed, other users can't see the changes you've made to the record, and they won't be able to edit the record, if you have the record locked. To free the record for use by others, either save or undo your changes. |
|
This record is locked by another user. You can't edit it. If you try to type in a locked record, Microsoft Access sounds a beep. |
For information on choosing a record-locking strategy, click 
.