Change Secure DB to Unsecured

Introduction.

It is generally uncommon to convert a secured database (implemented using Microsoft Access Security) into an unsecured one. However, this step may become necessary when you want to deploy or share a database in an environment that does not use security.

The first step in removing security from a database is to change the ownership of the database objects. By default, the User who creates the database is its Owner. The owner of an object has full access rights to it and can also assign permissions to other Users or Groups. Additionally, members of the Admins group possess these privileges.

Points to remember:

1. The User who attempts to convert the Database must have at least Read Permission to all Objects of the Database.

2. The Hidden Objects, if any, cannot be transferred into the target Database.

The Conversion Process.

The conversion process is simple and needs only a few steps.

1. Create a new Database.

2. Select File - ->Get External Data - ->Import.

3. Browse to the location of the Database you are trying to convert, and open it.

4. Select the Tables tab and click on the Select All Command Button to select all the Tables to import.

5. Repeat this method for all Queries, Forms, Reports, Macros, and Modules.

   

   Right-click to open Large Image in New Tab/Window.

6. If your Database has Custom Menus and Toolbars, then click on Options.

7. Select the Menus and Toolbars option.

8. Click OK to import all Objects (other than hidden objects) into the new Database.

At this stage, the access privileges of all objects in the new database are reset to their defaults. By default, every user of the database is a member of the Users group, and therefore has full access rights to all objects. This includes permissions to Open/Run, Read Design, Modify Design, and Administer permissions.

However, if you intend to share this unsecured database over a network, a few additional changes are required to enable concurrent use. Without these adjustments, the database will be limited to single-user access, preventing more than one user from working with it concurrently.

Changes for Multi-User Environment.

1. Select Tools - ->Options - ->Advanced.

2. Select Shared under the Default Open Mode Options Group.

3. Select Edited Record under the Default Record Locking Options Group.  Open Database using Record Level Locking Option is already in the selected state.

   

   Right-click to open Large Image in New Tab/Window.

4. Click OK to close the Dialog Box.

5. Select Tools - -> Security - -> User and Group Permissions.

6. Select the Admin User Name under the User/Group Name List. 

   Why select Admin User Account? Because in an unsecured environment, it is a member of the Admins Group logged in silently when no password is set.  MS Access will not prompt for User ID and Password.

7. Select the Database Object in the Object Type Control.

8. Unselect the Open Exclusive Option.

   

   Right-click to open Large Image in New Tab/Window.

9. Click OK to close the Dialog Box.

Now, you have a new Database with no Security settings.  The old database will remain without change.

Technorati Tags: Microsoft Security

1. Microsoft Access Security
2. Convert MS-Access Old Versions
3. Convert Old Version Workgroup File
4. Share Previous Version Database