Deploying Microsoft Access Applications using the Access Runtime

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This content is no longer actively maintained. It is provided as is, for anyone who may still be using these technologies, with no warranties or claims of accuracy with regard to the most recent product version or service release.

If you build an Access database (.mdb) as the front-end application, you can deploy the database to users who do not have Access on their workstations by distributing it together with the run-time version of Access. The Access Runtime is a version of Access for which certain features have been disabled, including the ability to create and modify databases.

Using the Packaging Wizard, you can create an installation program to distribute the Access Runtime to your users. When you purchase Office Developer, you are licensed to distribute the Access Runtime to as many workstations as you want.

When you choose an Access database as your main file in the Packaging Wizard, the wizard displays the Access Runtime screen where you can include the Access Runtime in your application.

To include the Access Runtime in a package using the Packaging Wizard

  1. In the Packaging Wizard, select the Access file (.mdb or .adp) as the main file.

  2. Follow the instructions in the wizard.

  3. On the Access Runtime screen, select the Yes, include the Access Runtime option.

  4. If you want to include the system components required to run an Access Runtime application in your package, select the Include System Files option. It is recommended that you include these files if you are unsure whether your users will have the required files on their computers.

  5. If you want to include Internet Explorer 5.1 in your package, click the Install Internet Explorer 5.1 option. This option is recommended if your application requires this version of Internet Explorer.

  6. In the Which language version of Access Runtime do you want to use field, select the language for the setup program. You must have access to Access Runtime files for the language you select. These are available on the Microsoft Office XP installation CD. For details, see Locating Localized Versions of the Access Runtime Files.

  7. On the Access Runtime Properties screen, select the additional data components you want to include in your package. You should include the Microsoft Data Engine (MSDE) if your package requires a local SQL Server store.

  8. Continue with the Packaging Wizard to complete your package. The Packaging Wizard will begin building your package.

  9. In the Where would you like to save your packaged application dialog box, select a folder where you want to save your packaged application.

    Note   To save to a network location, you can copy and past the network path into the path field.

The Packaging Wizard will search for the Access Runtime files for the language you selected in the Access Runtime screen. If the wizard cannot locate a copy of the correct files on your computer, a dialog box will appear asking you to provide the Office XP CD to copy the files to your computer.

For information about locating the correct Access Runtime files, see Locating Access Runtime Files.

See Also

The Packaging Process | Localizing Your Access Runtime Application | Creating a Setup Package Using the Packaging Wizard | Deploying Your Application | Packaging Wizard | Testing Your Setup Package