Access Tips, Links, & Downloads
On this page we provide some tips and (hopefully) useful downloads for Access Developers of all skill levels. The downloads I developed are offered either as freeware or shareware. Any other downloads may contain their own restrictions and notices.
Access Performance
Probably the biggest complaint of developers and users of Access2000 and beyond (especially those that were using Access97) is performance. This is especially noticeable when loading forms. There are 2 specific things you can do to dramatically increase performance in new versions of Access:
* Turn-off the subdatasheet feature (Now do this using Liquorman Utilities!).
* Turn-off the name autocorrect.
If you have a split-database schema (that is, frontend and backend databases), do this in both databases.
Another useful tip is to try to restrict the size of the recordset behind bound forms. You can read how to do this in this tip I wrote and that was published by Access Advisor magazine: Create Powerful Bound Forms in Access
Highlight a Single Row
This database demonstrates the ability to highlight the "current" row of a continuous form by seemingly changing the backcolor of those controls only on the current row! This makes this row stand out from all the other rows.
I'm rather proud of this database, as it was a very difficult nut to crack. I've seen other techniques, but with all due modesty, I think this is the fastest and the best. It is pretty-well documented, so you can adapt the technique for your own needs.
This is an Access97 database, but will convert "as is" to Access2000. An explanation of an alternative method that uses Access2000 conditional formatting is included.
Download Highlite.zip! (updated 04/22/02)Download Highlite.zip! (updated 04/22/02)
Rename Form/Report Controls
When you create a bound control on a form/report, Access insists on making the control's name the same as the underlying controlsource field. Most experts agree that you should always rename your controls, and usually they recommend using the standard prefixes (such as 'txt' for textbox).
This Access97 database contains a form you can copy into any database to rename the bound controls and labels on any form or report. There are some caveats, so read the included Help screen first.
Download RenameControls.zip!Download RenameControls.zip!
Useful Access Links
Windows Secrets Database Lounge
Microsoft Access Tutorial Videos
Other Technical Links
