How to Protect an MS Access Database?

Microsoft Access is an affordable database program. Its databases are used by many businesses. Users can, and typically do, create several separate databases. These databases often contain sensitive, confidential information, such as client or member names and details, employee information and product inventory, orders or specifications. Because of the classified data, database administrator take steps to protect the information. Fortunately, Microsoft provides built-in tools to help implement database protection in Access.

Things You'll Need

• Microsoft Access 2003 or 2007

Instructions

1. 

   Open the Access database to be protected. Go to the Tools menu in Access 2003, point to Security and click "Set Database Password." In Access 2007, go to the Database Tools tab, and click "Encrypt with Password" in the Database Tools group.

2. 

   Enter a password for the database in the Password box. Reenter the same password in the Verify box. Click "OK."

3. 

   Go to the Tools menu in Access 2003. Point to Security and click "User Level Security Wizard." In Access 2007, go to the Database Tools tab and click "Users and Permissions" in the Administer group. Select "User Level Security Wizard." The wizard will open.

4. 

   Select "Create a New Workgroup Information File" and click "Next." Enter the information requested by the wizard, select the database objects to protect, and click "Next."

5. 

   Select groups to include in the workgroup information file, click "Next," select permissions, if any, and click "Next" again. Add user names and passwords and click "Finish."

Tips & Warnings

• User level permissions will only work on previous file formats--such as .mdb or .ade--in Access 2007.