How to Share a Microsoft Access Database with Multiple Users

How to Share a Microsoft Access Database with Multiple Users

Sharing a single database is the simplest solution, with the least requirements, and also offers the least functionality. In this approach, the database file is kept on a shared network drive and is simultaneously shared by all users.

• Step 1: Set Microsoft Access into Shared Mode on All Computers

  
  Share a folder with a specific group of people in a home or small business setting. Ensure that Access is set up on each user’s computer to launch in shared mode. Although this is the default setting, you should double-check. Microsoft Access to the information will be hampered if a user opens the database in exclusive mode. To set it in “Shared Mode,” start Microsoft Access, then select Options under the File tab. Click Client Settings in the box labeled Access Options. Select Shared under Default open mode in the Advanced section, click OK, and then close Microsoft Access.

• Step 2: Copy the Database File into the Shared Folder

  
  Copy the database file to the shared folder. Make sure the file attributes are configured to allow read/write access to the database file once you copy the file. If you’re still learning how to use Microsoft Access, the first thing is to have read/write access to the database.

• Step 3: Create a Shortcut

  
  Create a shortcut to the database file on each user’s computer to access it quickly.