I would like to share an Access database with other users. It works on Dropbox in exclusive mode, not in multiuser mode. How else can I do it if Dropbox is not a good platform? I need a low tech solution.
Suzanne
Argh! No. Dont do it!
It WILL go wrong. It WILL lose you data and it WILL cause you to spend hours fixing it.
As a side note it cannot do 'multiuser mode' because you've forgot the simple fact that every single user of the folder would have there own individualised copy of the database. They'd all be working on each of there own versions - there is NO central place to work on stuff in Dropbox.
Dropbox should not be used as a network transport layer for any database, it simply wouldnt reliably work and will end in tears.
You arent really going to be able to accomplish what you are after with a "low tech solution". You need a proper network aware solution such as swapping out your Access backend for SQL Server - you can keep using Access as the front end, but you cant do what you want with Access as the backend.
I agree with Richard. I tested this with another cloud storage platform a few years ago when I needed to share an Access DB with users at other locations. There is no good way to do this. It exceeds what MS designed Access for. Sharepoint can better handle this.
In a Corporate setting, Access db's can reside on a shared drive and mange multiple users editing directly and simultaneously. If you store Access db on Dropbox, Dropbox will not be able to open it. It would force you to open it in a locally installed Access client to edit. This will cause problems or corruptions of links and references in tables.
If you have each user work off copies stored in their local Dropbox folder, users can unknowingly overwrite others changes during sync. You end up having to ask "are you working in the db?".
Agreed^^.. . . . . your are better off just rockin it with good communication through dropbox and keeping access for heavy hitting....but if security and reliability aren't an issue ;p maybe??
