Lock a front-end access database

Question

I've recently split my database and have two front end versions. One version for data entry and one version for end-users to run their own queries. Is there a way to "lock" the query version so that end-users cannot accidentally change data from the queries they run? I.e., I only want them to be able to run select queries and make table queries. I don't want them to be able to edit any of the data from the back end file.

Answer 1

You can set the queries as snapshots, distinct, or aggregating.

But it is not 100% safe, indeed not if they have access to the linked tables.

To be safe, move the database to an SQL Server (Express version is free) and create a read-only user account.

Answer 2

My suggestion would be to create a front end database just for these users. Copy the queries over and create a Navigation Form with sub-forms that point at those queries. Set the Locked data property to yes and then set your database options menu so they don't have access to the Navigation Pane or the editing menus. Its not totally secure but it will prevent the average user from changing data.