I was recently exploring automating WIA because I wanted to help someone out in a forum and wanted to see what else it could. It is actually quite impressive and versatile . Below is a very simple function I put together to rotate an image which can be configured to use either Early or Late Binding WIA, so the choice is yours. This simple function now empowers us to be able to integrate image manipulations such as rotation within any Access solution (Word, Excel, PowerPoint,… any VBA solution in fact. Actually, this can even be utilized in VBScript)!
Open last used database when Access starts Not Working
There’s a new bug with Access 2016 in which the Open last used database when Access starts property does not work.
This issue also seem to involve hung msaccess.exe process, so Access does not appear to be shutting down properly. When exiting Access, be sure to use check the Windows Task Manager for hung processes and end them.
A Few Threads on the Subject
Office 2016 Access not automatically opening last database used.
ACCESS 2016
Build 1705 and Client Settings
MS Access 2016 will not release CPU after shutting down.
The Confirm Action Queries, Document Deletions and Record Changes options will not stay unchecked.
Update
The bug in questions appears to be much more generalized and impacts many, if not all, of the database options/settings. So the workarounds below can be generalized, with the obvious need to first identify each options corresponding registry key (most are pretty obvious).
dBASE Support Restored to Access 2016 MSI
The MS Access Development Team was proud to announce that dBASE support has been restored to Access 2016 MSI installations. DBase is finally back!
What Do You Need To Do
Simple, download and install both of the following updates:
- May 2, 2017, update for Access 2016 (KB3178700)
- This one updates Access
- May 2, 2017, update for Office 2016 (KB3115501)
- This one updates ACE
and obviously, do not forget to do the same on every computer!
Access Best Practices and Troubleshooting Steps
I thought I’d make a quick post to go over some basic Access development best practices and Troubleshooting steps that any developer should be aware of.
MS Access Development Best Practices
So you want to start developing an MS Access database! The following is based on my personal experience developing databases for over 15 years now. That said, a few (2 or 3) of the items below are debatable, but most are steadfast rules.
VBA – Irfanview – Resize Images
I’ve made a few posts regarding manipulating images through VBA:
A recent discussion made me want to share a small utility I had created for my daughter’s daycare to help them downsize images to post them online.
The users had no technical skills so I needed to have a simple interface that only required a click of the mouse. I devised, at the time, that the easiest solution would be to use Irfanview and use command line automation.
Access Dynamic Datasheet Charts
Ever wanted to base a chart off of a datasheet and have the chart automatically updated based on whatever filters the user may apply?
I did!
I started off doing some Googling and was surprised to find nothing on the subject.
Then I turned to my fellow MVPs for guidance and was surprised that this seemed to be an unusual request. With a little back and forth I managed to put together a functional approach.
HP Data Breach?!
It would appear, based on a recent CBC report, that HP has had a data breach which has lead to a scam targeting their users. You can read the full report of what is known by using the link below
Montreal man gives HP failing grade after data breach
Sadly, HP isn’t talking, and according to the above article, nor are they warning their users which leave them prey to these hackers.
If you know anyone that owns an HP, advise them that HP has been compromised and there is a scam going on that specifically targets them.
Always remember, no IT company will ever call you out of the blue! The only reason a company calls you for support is because you initiated the call, otherwise it is a scam!!!
Access x32 vs x64 Compatibility
A more and more common question in Access, and Office forums in general, relates to using Access x32 (32 bit) vs using Access x64 (64 bit). How they play together … etc.
Now some people erroneously believe that since their machine is running a 64 bit version of Windows that Office is automatically 64 bit as well, or that they must install the 64 bit version. This is not the case. Microsoft themselves recommend installing the 32 bit version.
“We recommend the 32-bit version of Office for most users, because it’s more compatible with most other applications, especially third-party add-ins.” — Microsoft, see: 64-bit editions of Office 2013
Personally, I see no benefit to installing the 64 bit version of Office/Access beyond Excel and Word being able to handle more data, but if you are requiring that to begin with, Excel/Word are the wrong tools! (but that’s entirely another discussion altogether).
Nevertheless, more and more people are using 64 bit versions of Office and Access and questions about compatibility abound, so I thought I’d try to explain some of the basics in plain English and try to centralize little bits of information scattered here and there into one simple to digest article.
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Setting Up an MS Access Database
One of the most important questions we see in the forums is regarding How to setup an Microsoft Access multi-user production database. So, today, I thought I’d take a stab at properly covering the subject from A to Z, and everything in between.
In the following article I will discuss
Use Arrow Keys to Navigate Continuous Form Records
A nice feature to add to any continuous form is the ability to navigate up and down between the records by simply using the keyboard arrow keys. Luckily for us, we have a couple options available to us to make that happen and enhance our user experience.
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