How To Create Dynamic Web Pages with Microsoft Access

Dynamic websites change in real time.

Microsoft Access gives users the ability to post data onto web pages generated by the software. Static, or unchanging, web pages display current information and must be manually updated. For companies that deal with a constant stream of changing data, it is important to know how to create a dynamic website so that customers or clients can get up-to-date information.

Things You'll Need

• Computer with Microsoft Access
• Internet connection

Instructions

1. Open the database you are planning on converting into a dynamic web page. Click on the "Tables" submenu and open the table containing the data you need to use.

2. Go to the "File" menu and click on the "Export" option. Type in a name for the file that will be placed on the Internet. Double check that the path for your published file is the correct one to publish files on your web server. If you are not sure of the correct path, check with your supervisor or your ISP.

3. When everything is correct, click on "Save All."

4. Fill out the "ASP Output Options" box. Choose a template for your web page and give a name to the page. Specify the URL of your website, making sure it corresponds to the path you chose. Set the timeout value to five minutes. When your settings are complete, click the "OK" button.

5. Open the ODBC Data Source tool on your computer by going to "Control Panel" and double clicking the appropriate icon.

6. Click on the "System DSN" tab, then on the "Add" button. Choose the Microsoft Access driver and click on "Finish."

7. Type in the Data Source Name that you entered previously. Click "Select." Find the database file you are posting to the Internet and click on it. Click "OK" in the file navigation window, the ODBC setup window, and the data source administration windows.

8. Open your web browser and go to the web page you have just set up to make sure it is working properly.

Tips & Warnings

• Make sure you input the same Data Source Name both times to avoid generating an error in your link.

References

• Microsoft: Choosing the Right Type of Webpage
• Microsoft: Publish Web Pages