How to Troubleshoot a Switchboard Manager

The switchboard manager feature of Microsoft Access allows database designers to protect the integrity of the underlying tables and structure, while making it easier for end users to find the information they need. When the switchboard is in place, users see a list of possible actions when they open the database. From there, users can enter data, run queries and access reports. If you find that your switchboard manager is not working as intended, it is best to use a step-by-step approach to repair it.

Instructions

1. Ask everyone who is currently accessing the database to close it. If one of the users has a form, table or report open in design view, it can prevent the switchboard manager from opening properly when other users try to access the database.

2. Open the database that contains the switchboard. Click the "Forms" section and highlight the switchboard. Right-click and choose "Design View" to open the switchboard and adjust its elements.

3. Highlight any switchboard buttons and boxes you wish to move. Use your mouse to drag those elements to a new position on the switchboard, then click "Save" when you are finished. Close the switchboard and double-click to open it in normal view. Check the appearance of the switchboard and make any additional changes.

4. Click "Tools" and then "Startup." Check the startup elements and make sure your switchboard appears there. If not, go to the "Display Form/Page" section and use the drop-down box to select your switchboard form. Deselect the "Display database window" check box to hide the underlying database tables from the end users. Users can inadvertently damage the database if they have full access to its tables.