help converting access 97 databases

As far as we can make out from the Microsoft website, Microsoft no longer provides support for Microsoft Access 97.

Because a number of our clients are still using MS Access 97 databases that we developed for them, we intend to offer Access 97 support and help until those clients decide to move on or we cease to experience a demand.

getting support for access 97

If you are concerned about continued support for Microsoft Access 97, Please contact us to see if our help will bring peace of mind.

One tip we want to pass on: look after your Microsoft Office 97 Professional or MS Access 97 CD; we find these CDs are becoming rare through loss or damage.

converting access 97 to access 2000

There is a 'convert database' feature in Access 2000. In our experience, this rarely makes the conversion without some errors.

Not all errors get logged for attention as part of the conversion process. We have examples of where they came to light only when supposedly converted databases crashed during use.

There are things we recommend you do to an Access 97 database prior to conversion to Access 2000.

slow access 2000 databases

Some clients have been disappointed with the speed of their databases following conversion to Access 2000.

We have built up a list of things we think you should take into account if you suffer this problem.

Please contact us to discuss these.

converting access 97 to access 2002/access XP

The same observations apply here as to those for converting Access 97 to 2000 databases. Attempts to conver databases from Access 2000 to Access 2002 throw up similar problems and challenges.

converting access 97 to access 2003

The same observations apply here as to those for converting Access 97 to 2003 databases.

You may experience database problems if you install both Access 97 and parts of Office 2003 on the same PC.

converting access 97 to access 2007

The same observations apply here as to those for converting Access 97 to 2003 databases. We hear of major problems in converting modules.

You may experience database problems if you install both Access 97 and Office 2007 on the same PC. There can be interference not only between the versions of Access but also between Access 97 and other parts of Microsoft Office 2007.

DMW no longer attempts to mix Access 97 with programs from later versions of Office. Instead we keep an old PC solely for the purpose of running Access 97.

If now you are upgrading to Access 2007, then your Access 97 must have been in use for many years. You will have had time to identify improvements you would like to make, to list additional reports needed to make the most of the data, and to become sure about some bits that no one uses any longer. Users will have views on what would make the database easier to use than it is at present. Perhaps, therefore, this is the best time to mount a review with a mind to redeveloping sections on the database as part of the upgrade.

converting access VBA help

There are changes in the Access VBA as you move up through the versions. Some of these changes are quite major ones. Some offer increased functionality that you may wish to exploit as part of a conversion upgrade.

The convert-database feature takes a stab at converting your VBA code. In our experience, conversion are very far from perfect. You might want to talk to us before you press the button or if you want Access VBA help in general.

changing windows

If you are changing operating systems to a new version of Windows, make sure that Access 97 itself will run under the new system. Best to know in advance of the change that Access 97 will work, or, if it will not, to allow time to convert to a later version.

converting access MDE files

If your database is in the form of an MDE file, there are utilities advertised that claim to unlock MDEs. Once unlocked, so the claim goes, you can make changes to your MDE.

We have tried one unlocker program that gets mentioned a lot on the Web. In those of our Access 97 MDEs that we have 'unlocked' using it the majority of forms and reports will not go into design view. Furthermore, none of the VBA modules are accessible.

So now may be the best time to review the functionality of your database prior to offering to tender for the rewrite.