Editing Access databases without Access - geek/talk: Signature-free discourse for serious web publishers

**Czar** · 03-01-2004, 06:23 AM

Hey guys-n-gals,

Are any of you familiar with a free/open source software package that allows publishers to read and edit MS Access files simply and without damaging the formating at all?

I ask since I need to manage a database that was built with Office XP, and the last version of Office I possess that came with Access is the dusty old 97. Unfortunately, it doesn't recognise the newer format.

I've tried dabbling with OpenOffice, and while its compatibility with other Office formats rocks, it doesn't seem to have the capacity to deal with chunky Access databases either.

The only reason I'm hesitant to buy Office XP Pro is due to the fact that this is one of only two MS-driven sites that I manage, and the retail cost of Access would blow my margins.

So, anything out there?

Thanks in advance.

Sashman · 03-01-2004, 10:56 AM

Any editor that can view or edit through an ODBC datasource would work as the access driver (which you can grab for free in MDAC) does all the work. I use SQL server enterprise manager with a linked DB to tinker with access remotely, however it's not a free solution.

I believe WinSQL may be what you are looking for.

sdarken · 03-01-2004, 02:27 PM

If Sashman's option doesn't work out......
If you have Access 97 you might be able to just get by with an Access 2003 upgrade rather than buying the whole Office suite:
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg...l/-/B0000AZJV5

Upgrade eligibility:
http://www.microsoft.com/office/acce...on126121120120

- Simon

03-01-2004, 06:23 AM	#1
Czar Join Date: Aug 1999 Location: Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia Posts: 9,488	Editing Access databases without Access Hey guys-n-gals, Are any of you familiar with a free/open source software package that allows publishers to read and edit MS Access files simply and without damaging the formating at all? I ask since I need to manage a database that was built with Office XP, and the last version of Office I possess that came with Access is the dusty old 97. Unfortunately, it doesn't recognise the newer format. I've tried dabbling with OpenOffice, and while its compatibility with other Office formats rocks, it doesn't seem to have the capacity to deal with chunky Access databases either. The only reason I'm hesitant to buy Office XP Pro is due to the fact that this is one of only two MS-driven sites that I manage, and the retail cost of Access would blow my margins. So, anything out there? Thanks in advance. __________________ Czar Follow Geek/Talk's Twitter Feed to stay up to date with new discussion threads and online ad industry highlights. Important GeekVillage Links: Home \| Rules \| Posting Guide \| Report Trouble \| Feedback \| Advertise on GV

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03-01-2004, 10:56 AM	#2
Sashman Registered User Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Dulles Virginia Posts: 590	Any editor that can view or edit through an ODBC datasource would work as the access driver (which you can grab for free in MDAC) does all the work. I use SQL server enterprise manager with a linked DB to tinker with access remotely, however it's not a free solution. I believe WinSQL may be what you are looking for.

03-01-2004, 02:27 PM	#3
sdarken Registered User Join Date: Sep 1999 Location: San Francisco Posts: 1,396	If Sashman's option doesn't work out...... If you have Access 97 you might be able to just get by with an Access 2003 upgrade rather than buying the whole Office suite: http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg...l/-/B0000AZJV5 Upgrade eligibility: http://www.microsoft.com/office/acce...on126121120120 - Simon