How to Run Microsoft Access 2003 From a Flash Drive

Install programming onto a USB flash drive.

Microsoft Access 2003 is a database program that helps designers create their own applications, both for personal use and for distribution. If you don't have room on your current computer, it's possible to install the programming on an outside drive, like an external hard drive or even a USB flash drive. Once installed, you can run the program from the external drive, as long as you connect it to the computer you used to install the software.

Things You'll Need

• USB flash drive

Instructions

1. Connect the USB flash drive to a USB port on the computer. A prompt will appear, stating a new, removable device has been detected.

2. Insert the software installation CD for Microsoft Access 2003 (or double-click the downloaded software icon). Either way, the installation wizard appears on the screen.

3. Accept the license agreement, then click "Next" to accept the current installation name. Select "Browse" when the installation location is displayed. Choose the USB flash drive and click "Next."

4. Select "Install" and Microsoft Access 2003 installs onto the flash drive. Once completed, a desktop icon appears on the desktop.

5. Double-click the desktop icon and the program loads from the USB flash drive. Keep the flash drive connected at all times if you want to continue using the program.

Tips & Warnings

• It isn't possible to run the program on different computers with the flash drive. This is because there are specific files installed onto the computer registry that do not travel with the flash drive. Without these files, the computer is unable to load and run Microsoft Access 2003.

References

• Microsoft Support: Access 2003 Solution Center
• Wellesley: How to use a USB Flash Drive