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databasems-accesssplitoledb

The concept of split Access database and using OleDb with it


I've run into problems with Access database as it's maximum size is limited to 2 GB. I've done a little research and found about split Access databases. When splitting the database, the original file remains and one new is added. I don't quite understand what I'll be getting with this. As I understand, the newly created file is a back-end - the data is stored here, the original file is just a front-end with forms, queries, etc. The limit on back-end file will still remain effective. Am I right? Perhaps multiple splits will do the trick, but I don't understand the concept of it.

If multiple split is possible and I would be able to store more than 2 GB in virtually single database, how do I do it with OleDb. More specifically, am I supposed to interact with front-end database only, and Access will distribute the data by itself? I'm familiar with OleDb, just not sure about this whole split concept.

Thank you very much in advance.


Solution

  • re: The limit on back-end file will still remain effective. Am I right? yes

    Basically, you move all your table objects to one or more other databases and link to them in the front-end db with your forms, queries, etc.

    One problem with splitting dbs is enforcing referential integrity. You can only do that within one .mdb file.

    If you really need everyone to have access to massive amounts of data, consider storing it on SQL Server or some other back end instead.