A Masterclass in Access Security

Last updated: 23 Nov 2025

This article discusses a presentation outlining some of the main steps that Access developers should take to improve security. The most important of these will depend on who or what you are trying to protect your apps against. Some steps will be familiar to all experienced developers but the article also mentions less well-known aspects that may be new to many.

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ACCDB to MDB Conversion Issues

Last updated: 11 Sept 2025

ACCDB files can normally be converted to MDB – either 2000 or 2002/2003 file format. However, the process will fail if the ACCDB file contains features not available in the older version. This article outlines the main reasons why the conversion can fail.

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Access Command Line Switches

Last updated: 24 Jun 2023

This article lists the command-line switch options available for Microsoft Access

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Access DevCon presentations - Apr 2025

Last updated: 12 Apr 2025

This short article outlines the two presentations I gave to the online Access DevCon conference on 10 / 11 April 2025. The conference was organised by Karl Donaubauer, MVP, and attended (virtually) by 120 Access developers from 15 countries.

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Access File Limits

Last updated: 2 Oct 2023

This article discusses some of the limits that developers may experience when creating large Access database applications. It was written in response to questions at an Access forum

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Access Infographics

Last updated: 23 June 2022

This is a link to an excellent Access blog by Mark Gillis containing three PowerPoint presentations which clearly demonstrate the power of Access both as a standalone app and in conjunction with other Office programs. Excellent if you ever need to explain the value of Access to your boss, IT department, potential clients etc.

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Access Issues Fixed

Last updated: 28 June 2022

Microsoft has started a new and very welcome monthly blog series highlighting giving details of issues fixed by the Access team in the past month or so.

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Access Keyboard Shortcuts

Last updated: 22 Nov 2022

Ths article lists some of the most useful keyboard shortcuts in Access together with a link to the full list of shortcuts

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Access News VIDEO - AEK Conference (Oct 2023)

Last updated: 3 Nov 2023

Video highlights from the Access team presentation to the 25th session of the annual AEK conference organised by Karl Donaubauer.

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Access Roadmap Update (Oct 2022)

Last updated: 13 Oct 2022

This article discusses the new Access priority list (AKA roadmap) recently published for the 6 month period from Oct 2022 to Mar 2023.

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Access Roadmap Updated (Apr 2025)

Last updated: 4 Apr 2025

This article discusses the latest update to the Access roadmap published on 3 Apr 2025.

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Add Style to Windows, Forms and Message Boxes

Last updated: 20 Apr 2026

Links and resources from my presentation to Access DevCon on Fri 17 April 2026

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Attached, associated, detached . . .

Last updated: 15 Jan 2025

This article discusses the hidden attached system tables required by the use of complex datatypes in Access.
It also covers a bug when deleting tables with column history memo fields as not all tables are removed by the process.

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Breakpoints and special keys

Last updated: 13 Jun 2023

This article describes a long-term Access bug where adding breakpoints to step through code has no effect when the Allow Special Keys option is unticked. The bug was fixed in Access 365 version 2305 but is still present in all older versions

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Cascading Combos & Listboxes

Last updated: 18 July 2026

This article outlines a new feature which allow users to create cascading comboboxes and listboxes without code using two new properties: LinkMasterFields and LinkChildFields. The feature works in single forms, continuous forms and datasheets

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CCP or not CCP? That is the Question!

Last updated: 27 June 2026

This article discusses why some Current Channel users may receive preview builds without signing up to Insider channels. This is deliberate and the result of a Microsoft policy. The implications of this policy are discussed together with a recommendation to move most end users to Monthly Enterprise Channel.

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Change the Font Size in the Property Sheet

Last updated: 9 July 2026

This article describes a new feature allowing users to change the font size in the property sheet from the default 8pt up to a maximum of 36pt. Starting with version 2608, this can now be done either from Access Options or using code.

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Changes to Access Roadmap

Last updated: 28 June 2022

Microsoft has changed their approach to the information provided in the Access roadmap. Why is this happening and is it a good or bad thing?

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Click Me And I Disappear! (Hide a control with focus)

Last updated: 24 Feb 2023

In older versions up to Access 2007, you could only disable, lock or hide controls if they did not have the focus.

However, in Access 2010, that limitation was changed . . . with some interesting side effects!

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Code Signing VBA Projects with Timestamp

Last updated: 30 May 2025

This article describes how to add a timestamp when signing a VBA project. Adding a timestamp ensures that the signature remains valid even when the certificate expires.

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Command Line Project Signing

Last updated: 1 May 2025

This article describes the new command line project signing feature available in Access 365. It is useful for quickly signing a batch of VBA projects in succession without needing to open each app first.

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Copy Message Box Text to Clipboard

Last updated: 13 Jan 2026

This short article explains how message box text can be copied to the clipboard for pasting into other applications such as Notepad.

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Create Messages using the Access Expression Service

Last updated: 16 Mar 2026

This article explains different ways that the Access expression service can be used to create messages. It also explains how the behaviour and appearance of these compare to messages created using the VBA MsgBox function.

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Customize The Access Message Box

Last updated: 12 Jan 2026

This article describes various ways of customising the Access message boxes without code using Windows Ease of Access settings. In addition, it provides links to a variety of alternative message box functions that provide additional functionality.

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Dates in Excel and Access

Last updated: 5 Mar 2026

This article outlines differences between how date values are handled in Excel and Access and how this can lead to discrepancies for the year 1900.

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Dictation in Access

Last updated: 12 Nov 2023

Although not officially supported, it is possible to use speech to text (dictation) to input data in Access. This article explains how to do so.

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Disable Design View Shortcuts

Last updated: 19 Feb 2026

This shows how you can disable design view for object shortcuts in the navigation pane with no code.

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Drag & Drop Database Objects

Last updated: 23 June 2022

This explains two methods of using drag and drop with any Access database object.
1.   Create Access object shortcuts on the desktop - click shortcut to open the database directly to that object - saves time!
2.   Transfer objects from one open database to another. Usually much easier than using the wizard to import objects. Extra care needed with linked tables
Both methods work with any Access object and have been available since Access 97 (25 years ago) BUT it seems that many experienced developers are not aware of one or both features.

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Enrol for Windows 10 Extended Security Updates

Last updated: 15 Sept 2025

Windows 10 will no longer be supported after 14 Oct 2025. Microsoft is doing all it can to push users onto Windows 11. This article explains how you can now enrol your computer onto the Extended Security Updates (ESU) program at no cost. This will allow you to continue receiving security updates until 13 Oct 2026.

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Epson announces end of laser printer production

Last updated: 29 Nov 2022

A short article about the announcement that Epson will stop producing laser printers by 2026.
This news may also affect usage of your current laser printer.

It is also possible that other manufacturers may make similar announcements in the near future.

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ERROR: Trust Center Settings in ACCDR files

Last updated: 2 Apr 2023

Short article describing an error when clicking Trust Center Settings for ACCDR files in Access 365

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Export Customised Ribbon

Last updated: 10 Mar 2024

Customised ribbons can be created for an application using XML and a user defined system table. This short article explains how to export customised ribbons created directly from the user interface.

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Fix Blocked Office Updates

Last updated: 27 Oct 2025

This article explains how to fix issues where Office/365 Click to Run versions can become 'stuck' preventing updates.

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Fix Context Menu Errors

Last updated: 20 Sept 2025

This article explains how right click context (shortcut) menu errors can be fixed, either using code or by (safely) editing the registry

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Fix the Navigation Bar Half Height problem

Last updated: 13 Dec 2022

This article describes how to fix issues where for some users the navigation bar is shown at half height (partly hidden) making it difficult to read or use

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Form Datasheet ribbon missing in popup form

Last updated: 2 Mar 2024

This article explains why the form datasheet ribbon does not appear with popup forms. The article also provides a workaround as the ribbon is needed for datasheet conditional formatting, setting alternate row colors etc.

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Form Page Headers & Footers

Last updated: 30 Dec 2024

This article discusses the little used page header and page footer sections available in forms and how / when these are made visible.

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Full Screen Mode in Access

Last updated: 14 Apr 2026

This article explains how to implement the full screen mode in Access to maximize available screen space for your applications.

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Happy Birthday. Access Is 30!

Last updated: 29 Oct 2022

A short article celebrating the 30th anniversary of Microsoft Access. The first version was released to the public on 13 Nov 1992

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Hide the Application Interface with No Code

Last updated: 15 Jan 2025

This article demonstrates an easy way of hiding the application interface which requires no code or APIs. This achieves much of what can be done using APIs. The few disadvantages of this approach are discussed.

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In Praise of SysCmd(555)

Last updated: 24 Sept 2023

This article discusses the little known and undocumented SysCmd action 555 available in Access and how it can be very useful for import/export specifications

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Install Windows 3.1 on iPhone

Last updated: 22 June 2022

Apparently it can be done!
Links to an article and video describing ths ridiculous but fun idea in detail

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Introducing the NENAPUTS query

Last updated: 9 Sept 2022

This article demonstrates a very unusual type of query join that unexpectedly works!

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Isla - R.I.P.

Last updated: 9 Sept 2022

Farewell my friend!

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Issues with Boolean Variables and Fields

Last updated: 13 Mar 2023

This article describes issues you may experience using boolean (yes/no) variables and fields in Access. It also describes several solutions to avoid the problems described

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Large Address Awareness in 32-bit Access

Last updated: 25 Nov 2023

Large Address Awareness has finally been added to 32-bit Access. This article explains what this means and how/when it will be useful.

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Linked table passwords exposed

Last updated: 24 Oct 2023

This article describes a serious security weakness in Access in which the passwords to backend database tables can easily be viewed, even in ACCDE databases.

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Localization Issues in Access

Last updated: 21 July 2024

Office program menus and ribbons are localized according to the language and locale e.g. English (United Kingdom) or English (United States). Usually this works well but occasionally bizarre errors can occur. This article gives two such examples.

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Locked and disabled control puzzle

Last updated: 30 Nov 2023

Two textbox controls have both been disabled and locked. One of them behaves correctly but the other can be activated allowing the mouse cursor to be placed anywhere in the control. What causes this difference and why?.

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Making Automatic Form Resizing Work For You

Last updated: 28 Apr 2023

This article has a copy of my presentation and supporting materials for my session on automatic form resizing to the Access DevCon conference on 28 April 2023

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Manage Old Data - Archive, Mark or Delete?

Last updated: 14 Jan 2023

Stay or Go?
This article discusses the best ways of managing old data with the least possible effort

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Manage Windows Smart Screen Warnings

Last updated: 28 Jan 2023

Windows SmartScreen is a security feature built into the Windows operating system that helps protect users from potentially malicious software.
The article discusses how to manage this feature to suit your own needs.

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Maximum Password Length in Access Files

Last updated: 23 Jan 2023

Since Access 2007, the maximum password length has officially been 20 characters.
However for linked Access tables, no more than 19 characters can be used

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Maximum Width of Access Forms & Reports

Last updated: 16 Feb 2023

This article explains why there is a maximum value for the width and section heights in Access forms and reports

It also explains why it is very unlikely that the limit will ever be increased

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Module type code fails from library database

Last updated: 11 Oct 2025

This article outlines an obscure issue when running code to detect module type from an Access database used as a library reference. Workarounds and alternative code are provided.

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NEW - Create SQL Query Menu Item

Last updated: 22 May 2025

This short article describes the new SQL Query menu item which has been added to the Create ribbon

It was released to the Beta channel with version 2506 build 18919.20004 released on 22 May 2025 and will be rolled out to other channels in the coming months.

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New features in the VBE_Extras add-in

Last updated: 23 Aug 2023

This article outlines three excellent new features in the highly recommended VBE_Extras add-in by UK developer John Mallinson

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Notepad++ Updates Compromised

Last updated: 3 Feb 2026

Short article with a link to details about updates to the widely used Notepad++ free text editor being compromised with spyware from June to Dec 2025. The linked article provides a timeline, what users should check for and what action to take.

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Now you CAN open more tables and databases

Last updated: 4 Jul 2023

This short article outlines two recent improvements made to the Access architecture behind the scenes.

Taken together, these should significantly reduce the number of 'cannot open any more tables/databases' messages and make it far less likely that Access applications will crash

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Office & VBE Menu Languages Different

Last updated: 4 Dec 2023

This article describes a strange issue I had after temporarily changing the Office language to Spanish. After I changed back the VBE menus didn't revert. Repairing Office had no effect. In case anyone else experiences this, the article describes the unexpected solution.

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Oops - how did that make an ACCDE file?

Last updated: 6 Sept 2022

This article discusses a strange side effect of an ACCDE file being created when investigating an Access bug. It also acts as a warning to ALWAYS backup before making any changes

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Open Queries Directly in SQL View

Last updated: 29 Oct 2023

This article describes a new feature which for the first time allows you to open any query directly to SQL View from the navigation pane, VBA code or a macro. This will be a huge time saver for developers who prefer to use SQL view rather than the query build editor (QBE).

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Outlook: Check Your Connection

Last updated: 4 May 2024

This short article explains how to fix an unusual message you may see in Outlook

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PUZZLE: Access Message Boxes with no VBA code

Last updated: 19 Feb 2026

This article includes a sample database with 3 styles of message box. No VBA code is used anywhere in the database. The puzzle is simple - how does it work?

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RegExp Added to VBA Library with Office Version 2508

Last updated: 15 Sept 2026

Starting with Office version 2508, RegExp is now included in the default VBA library. It will no longer be dependant on VBScript which is in the early stages of being deprecated.

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Reserved Errors - there is no message for this error

Last updated: 5 Sept 2023

This article discusses the unhelpful reserved error messages that you may occasionally see. The meaning is explained for several of these errors together with action you can take to help eliminate these in the future.

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Roadmap Updated (May 2026) - THREE New Features

Last updated: 12 May 2026

A new roadmap item was announced on 5 May 2026: Combo boxes and listboxes will include link Master Fields / Link Child Fields properties, allowing cascading dropdown filters without VBA code (rollout starting Aug 2026)

Two more roadmap items were added on 12 May 2026:
a) zoom capabilities will be added to continuous forms and pop-up forms (rollout starting June 2026)
b) rounded corners will be available in form controls using a new corner radius property (rollout starts July 2026).

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Safe Mode VBE en Francais

Last updated: 17 Aug 2024

This article describes a language error issue in the Visual Basic Editor when using UK English Access in Safe Mode.

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Select All Data in a Form

Last updated: 25 Aug 2025

This article shows the effect of using the Ctrl+A keyboard shortcut to select all data in an Access form

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Size Limits on Access Code Modules

Last updated: 25 Nov 2025

This article discusses limits in the total size of code modules in Access

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Size To Fit Form

Last updated: 29 Aug 2026

Size to fit form has been a ribbon item since Access 2007 and available in VBA before that. Until recently it has been of limited use. However, it has suddenly become much more useful in conjunction with the new Zooming feature.

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Small Change in Sharepoint - Not Many Affected?

Last updated: 3 Oct 2025

This article outlines the retirement of two probably little-used Sharepoint Options: Alerts and Workflows

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Strikethrough Font in Access

Last updated: 1 Feb 2024

Access does not include a strikethrough option for text. This article explains how you can achieve the effect with a special strikethrough font.

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Suggested Improvements to IMEX Data Tasks

Last updated: 5 Dec 2023

The 'new-style' saved import/export data task specifications that were introduced in Access 2007 are stored as XML within the Access project. The wizard-based approach can be used for a wide variety of file types including spreadsheets & Access tables as well as text files. However, it also has major limitations. This article suggests making the import/export data tasks wizard more useful by allowing users to sort and edit existing saved data tasks.

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Summary of New And Upcoming Features

Last updated: 28 July 2026

This article provides a summary of new Access features together with current availability and related articles with detailed information. It will be updated periodically when availability changes.

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Switchboard Manager in modern Access versions

Last updated: 7 May 2026

The switchboard manager was used in older Access versions up to 2007 to create a data driven approach to navigation in databases. Access 2010 introduced navigation forms but, for those who prefer the old approach, the switchboard feature is still available but hidden away. This short article describes 4 ways of making the feature easily accessible.

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SysCmd Actions (Documented & Undocumented)

Last updated: 25 Mar 2026

This article discusses both the documented and undocumented SysCmd actions available in Access and how these can be used. It also lists the new Access version SysCmd actions added in Beta Channel version 2604

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Tab Control Page Caption Alignment Issue

Last updated: 9 July 2025

This article outlines a display issue where tab control page captions may be shifted off-centre where an ampersand is used as a shortcut key.

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Teaching Callouts in Office Apps

Last updated: 30 Aug 2025

This article explains the purpose of the new teaching callouts and how these are managed in Office apps.

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Teams Integration Causing Office Problems

Last updated: 9 Feb 2026

This article describes how Teams integration with Office may cause hanging instances of Office apps to remain as background processes in Task Manager. It also provides a guide to troubleshooting the problem and what changes to make if this is the cause.

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The Curious Case of the Multi Row Tab Control

Last updated: 4 May 2023

When you have many tabs on a control, the Multi Row property may seem to be the solution, but it no longer works by default.

This article explains how to successfully use the Multi Row property of the Access tab control and suggests several alternatives

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The Development of an Icon!

Last updated: 8 July 2025

Short article showing the progress of the Create SQL Query ribbon item and its icon

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The Power of Data

Last updated: 18 Nov 2022

A very neat graphic using lego bricks to show the differences between raw data and how it is presented

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The Strange Dotted Square 'Bug' - FIXED

Last updated: 29 Aug 2023

This article discusses a stange dotted square that sometimes appears when you click on certain areas of a form. It appears to be an empty context menu for unbound controls.

UPDATED 29/08/2023 with details of the fix! It WAS an empty context menu

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Two New Access Features - Autumn 2024

Last updated: 10 May 2024

This article outlines two new features that have recently been added to the Access roadmap and are due for release Autumn 2024 - Monaco SQL Editor & Modern Chart Improvements.

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Two new Access Features now in the Beta Channel

Last updated: 7 June 2024

Early releases of two new Access features are now available to some users in the Beta Channel. The features are the new Monaco SQL editor and improvements to Modern Charts. Neither are fully complete and some bugs are inevitable at this stage

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Unblock downloaded files by removing the Mark of the Web

Last updated: 5 May 2023

This article explains the 'mark of the web' and how to remove it from downloaded files before use. It also covers possible issues you may observe in certain cases

Updated 5 May 2023 with additional information and details of changes made to the feature in recent months

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Unsplit Database Tables

Last updated: 19 Oct 2024

Standard practice is to split databases with all tables in the backend. This article explains some of the most important reasons for doing this. It also gives several scenarios where you may want to 'unsplit' databases with one or all tables moved to the front-end and explains two easy ways to do so.

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Use Multiple Tags on Form Controls

Last updated: 28 Feb 2023

This article shows some simple ways of using multiple tags on form (or report) controls to change the appearance or state of the controls using code

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Using the Scroll Lock key in Excel

Last updated: 25 July 2022

The scroll lock key (ScrLk) is on most keyboards but its purpose isn't widely understood.
These days, most programs make no use of it but Excel is an exception.
This video shows how it can be useful in Excel and a work-round if your keyboard has no scroll lock key.

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Using the Zooming Feature Effectively

Last updated: 6 June 2026

This article suggests several ways to ensure the new Access zooming feature works without problems on your forms.

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VBE Option Statements

Last updated: 24 Nov 2023

This article outlines the various option statements that can be used at the start of code modules in the visual basic editor (VBE).

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What's Up With Aptos?

Last updated: 30 Sept 2025

This article outlines issues with using the new default Office font (Aptos) in Access. It also outlines how to change the default font and an unexpected side effect of doing so.

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Why are the Min, Max and X buttons disabled?

Last updated: 30 Dec 2024

This article discusses a curious database with a borderless, modal form. Due to its properties, neither the form nor the database can easily be closed..

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Why Can't I Create an ACCDE file?

Last updated: 4 Sept 2022

This article explains several reasons why creating an ACCDE file may fail and how to troubleshoot the causes successfully

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Why does SSMA fail to import my tables?

Last updated: 8 July 2024

This article explains why the SQL Server Migration Assistant (SSMA) may not detect all tables in an Access database. It also provides a workaround and a solution to this obscure issue

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Why Isladogs? Why Access?

Last updated: 11 Jan 2023

This article originated from material originally planned for an online video.
It explains the origins of the Isladogs name used for this website & a summary of my views on the future of Access

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Why Rushmore?

Last updated: 24 Dec 2022

This short article answers a question by one of my regular website readers.
Why is the query optimisation technology used by Access called Rushmore?

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Windowed & Non-Windowed Controls in Access

Last updated: 8 Sept 2025

This article explain the differences between the two types of control available in Access, the properties of each and how this affects how each type can be used.

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You Can REALLY Do All That With Forms?

Last updated: 30 Apr 2024

This article provides a summary of various topics I covered in my presentation to the Access DevCon conference on 19 April 2024. It also provides links to various articles, videos and example apps to accompany each topic.

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