Cannot connect frontend .mde to backend .mdb file located on server

Question

I am having problems connecting an Access 2002 frontend database file (.mde type) to an Access 2002 backend database (.mdb type) when the frontend is on a local computer (C:) and the backend is on a network server (P:). The connection string I use to connect to the backend database file is like this for example:  P:\DatabaseFile\Backend Database.mdb

I think it is a permissions problem. However, when I Right-Click on the DatabaseFile Folder (located on the server) and select the Security tab and change the permissions to allow Full Control, the changes are not retained. When I go back and right-click on the DatabaseFile Folder, the changes were not saved. And when I run my application, I get an error that the Backend Database.mdb file cannot be opened.

Should I be using a connection path to the Backend Database.mdb file using something like:

 //DatabaseFile\Backend Database.mdb

Thank you for any help.

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BobV365

Answer 1

Use a UNC path. E.g. \\ServerName\DatabaseFile\Backend Database.mdb. Cause you should not rely on constant mapped drive letters.

But according to your description of the security issues: You don't have full control on that folder. But that is not necessary. But you need Modify, Read & execute, Read and Write permissions on that folder.

Caveat: Permissions on folders and shares are two different things. Thus you need also to check you permissions on the share.

Answer 2

Stefan, thank you for the answer. Do I need to Share this file as well as set the permissions to Modify, Read & execute, Read and Write? Or, do I just need to set the permissions and leave the Share option alone? 

Thank again Stefan. I appreciate any help on this matter that you can give me.

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BobV365

Answer 3

Well. yes and no. The process of sharing a folder creates a separate set of privileges.

Thus you need the above mentioned NTFS permissions as well as the appropriate share permissions (Change).