password-protecting Access tables

Question

I have a Microsoft Access Database with an interface for usability ... But now, all users have access to the tables of the database directly. I want to deny this except for those who are authorized i.e.: Password Protect the access to the tables not the GUI.

Answer 1

Unfortunately, there is no "simple" solution for this.

1. Access has a security-mechanism built in. Note though, that this only works for the "old" mdb format, not for the new accdb format supported by Access 2007/2010. Thus, if you are going this way, you are using a deprecated technology which will might not be supported in future versions.

   That said, here is a tutorial found on the Internet. The process is a bit complex; it definitely exceeds the space of a StackOverflow answer:

   The Microsoft Access Security Apparatus

2. If you need a more future-proof solution, I'm afraid your only choice it to move the back-end (= the tables) into another database system, such as SQL Server Express. There, you can restrict access to the tables and grant access to your application by using Application Roles.

3. If you only want to prevent your users from accidentally messing up your data, it might suffice to install only the Access Runtime instead of the full product. Note, however, that this does not provide security, since a malicious user could simply install the full version of Access!