Start the Right Version of Microsoft^® Access and Your Database Every Time

Total Access Startup guarantees your users always launch the right version of Microsoft Access with the right version of your Access database. Centrally manage Access and your databases to ensure that users:

• Start the Access Version You Specify
  For example, you can ensure your users always run Access 2007 with your database, regardless of the Access versions installed on their machine or what Windows considers the default for MDB/ADP files. There's even support to downgrade below the preferred version, if desired.

• Support Legacy Versions of Access
  If you have Access 97 databases, you can ensure users run it with Access 97 to avoid upgrading the database format by running it with Access 2000 or later. Eliminate the need to immediately convert your existing Access applications to later versions, while safely migrating to the later version one database at a time.

• Detect and Run the Latest Version of Your Access Database
  Total Access Startup can automatically install and update your user’s local copy of your database when you release a new version.

Zero Deployment Design

To deploy your Access application, simply send an email pointing to the shortcut that Total Access Startup generates, and you’re done! Your users only need the right version of Access installed. None of Total Access Startup is installed on your users' machines!

If you ever need to distribute an update of your database or change the version of Access, it's all handled centrally. Make the change in one place and when the user clicks on their shortcut, they're automatically updated!

How Total Access Startup Simplifies Access

Automatically Install New Builds of Your Application

If your users are running your application for the first time, Total Access Startup installs the database for them. If there are other files required, you can also launch a batch file or setup program.

Automatically Install Updates of Your Application

When you create a new version of our database, update the version in its version table and Total Access Startup automatically distributes it. Every time Total Access Startup is launched by a user, it compares the master copy to the user's local copy. If they are out of synch, the updated version is automatically downloaded for them. You can also launch a batch file or setup program if additional files (e.g. ActiveX controls) need to be installed. The update setup can be different from the initial installation setup.

Always Launch the Correct Version of Access

Total Access Startup always launches the correct version of Access with your database regardless of how many versions of Access are installed or what Windows considers the default for MDB or ADP files. Many environments require multiple versions of Access because the cost of converting old Access databases to the latest version of Access is unnecessary. With Total Access Startup, you can maintain your investment while easily supporting new Access versions. It knows how to find the correct version of Access even if it’s installed in a different directory on every machine.

Downgrade Access Versions as Necessary

Multiple Access versions support the Access 2000 database format. However, you may want your users to use the latest version of Access. Rather than settling for the lowest common version, Total Access Startup lets you specify the preferred version then downgrade as necessary. For instance, you can specify Microsoft Access 2007 down to Access 2000. When the user launches your database, they'll use Access 2007, if they don't have it, it'll search for Access 2003, then 2002, then 2000. Of course your application must be able to run in the versions you specify.

Gracefully Handle Users without the Right Version of Access Installed

If the user doesn't have the specified Access version installed on their machine, Total Access Startup displays a customized message showing the error along with your contact information. This gracefully handles the problem and prevents users from inadvertently running a later version of Access and converting the database.

Everything is centrally stored so you can deploy your database consistently across all your users and easily manage it over time.

How Total Access Startup Works

Administrator Program

This Wizard lets you specify the Access version and database you want your users to use. You can specify:

• The MS Access version to run (e.g. Access 2007, 2003, 2002/XP, 2000, 97, or 95) including support for runtime versions.
• The database to run and the startup macro (if any).
• The location of the “master” database on the network.
• The location of the “local” database installed on the user’s machine (if desired).
• The name of the table and field in the database that identifies its version (ensures that the local database is always in sync with the master). For Access Projects (ADPs) it's a property on the ADP.
• Optional setup program or batch file to run when the database is created on the local machine (useful the first time the launches the application).
• Optional setup program or batch file to run when the local copy is updated (in case you need to install other files, such as ActiveX controls).
• Contact information if your user can’t start the program.

When you complete the Wizard, Total Access Startup creates a small INI file and shortcut link in the network location you specify. The INI file includes your specifications, and the shortcut launches your database using those specifications.

Startup Program

A small executable (TAStart.exe) that that launches your database with the specifications selected in the Administrative program. This is stored in one place on your network.

User Workstations

The Total Access Startup program is written in C with no dependencies, so nothing is installed or required on your users' machines. They only need the shortcut pointing them to the INI file you created on the network.

Cost Effective, Powerful Solution

One copy of Total Access Startup supports an unlimited number of databases and users across your entire network. Simply create a separate INI file for each database you deploy. Easily support local copies on each user's machine for optimal performance, and manage it centrally.

Non-Network Use of Total Access Startup

Total Access Startup is also useful if you are not on a network and want to ensure your user always runs the correct version of Access with your database even if they install new versions of Access in the future. This is ideal for laptop computer users and distributed applications. A royalty-free, redistributable launcher is included for supporting users not on your network.

Maintaining and Migrating Microsoft Access 97 Applications

With Total Access Startup, your Microsoft Access 97 databases are always run with Access 97 to prevent accidental database conversions when people open them with a later version of Access.

When you migrate your Access 97 databases to a later format, you simply update the INI file to specify the new Access version and new database. The next time your users launch it, they get the new version and won't be allowed to run Access 97 on it. You won't even need to send out a new shortcut!

Enterprise Ready

Total Access Startup was independently tested by VeriTest and awarded the "Designed for Microsoft Windows XP, 2000, ME, 98" logo from Microsoft. Total Access Startup is the first application designed exclusively for Access to receive this award.

With VeriTest's rigorous testing and verification, you can be assured that Total Access Startup supports the challenging environment of your enterprise to ensure your Access applications and versions are deployed correctly every time!

Pricing and Availability

Total Access Startup supports Microsoft Access 2007, 2003, 2002/XP, 2000, 97, and 95.

Total Access Startup for Microsoft Access
Licenses		Access 2007, 2003, 2002, 97 and 95
	Single	$499
	5 Seat	$1,499
Upgrade
	Single License	$299
	5 Seat License	$899
Premium Support Subscription
	Single License	$299
	5 Seat License	$999
	More Information
Also Available as part of
	Total Access Ultimate Suite
Runtime/Redistributable Version
A royalty-free, distributable file is included to support disconnected users.
Licensing Information
Licensing is based on the number of copies of Total Access Startup installed. Each copy requires a separate license. One installation can manage an unlimited number of databases called by an unlimited number of users on that network.