ACC: How to Hide the Database Window When MS Access Starts (88160)


The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Access 1.0
  • Microsoft Access 1.1
  • Microsoft Access 2.0
This article was previously published under Q88160
Advanced: Requires expert coding, interoperability, and multiuser skills.

SUMMARY

When you start Microsoft Access, the Database window is usually visible. If you do not want a user to be able to gain access to the Database window, you can create an AutoExec macro that hides the Database window. This article describes how to create the macro to do this.

MORE INFORMATION

When a Microsoft Access database is first loaded, Microsoft Access checks for an AutoExec macro and runs it if it exists. While the following macro will hide the Database window from the user, it can be circumvented by holding down the SHIFT key while the file opens:
  1. From the File menu, choose New to create a new database. Give the database a unique name.
  2. From the File menu, choose New, and then choose Macro to create a new macro.
  3. Add the following actions:
          Action              Comment
      ------------------------------------------------------------------
      SelectObject        Select an object in the Database window so the
                          focus is set to the Database window.
      DoMenuItem          Hide the object that has the current focus.
  4. Set the following properties for the actions entered above:
          SelectObject Action
      -----------------------
      Object Type: Macro
      Object Name: AutoExec
      In Database Window: Yes

      DoMenuItem Action
      -----------------
      Menu Bar: Form
      Menu Name: Window
      Command: Hide
  5. From the File menu, choose Save As, and save the macro as AutoExec.
  6. Close and reopen the database.
The macro will hide the Database window. However, menu items still exist to show the Database window. To hide these items, you can create a custom menu for your application, or use one of the following techniques depending on your version of Microsoft Access:
  • Version 1.x: Disable the Show command on the File menu.
  • Version 2.0: Disable the UnHide command on the Window menu.

REFERENCES

For more information about custom menus, search for "customizing menus" using the Microsoft Access Help menu.
Modification Type:MajorLast Reviewed:5/9/2003
Keywords:kbhowto kbusage KB88160
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