Public write access to password protected Access databese?

Question

I have an ASP application running for a group where the leaders have access to a database in a password protected subweb created using MS FrontPage Site Administrator. Leaders can sign-in using an UID and PWD and read and write to the Access database on the server.

I would also like to enable the public to submit information via a web form that writes to the database without having to log in and allow them no other access to the site. Can this be done? If so, how?

Thanks in advance, Joel

Answer 1

This error usually comes up when the permsissions aren't set up for the db correctly or there's an LDB file in the same directory (with the same name).

The box that your db is on has to have read/write permissions set for the proper users. I can't remember exactly, but I think the user accounts are IUSR_(machine name) and NETWORK SERVICE. There may be another, but I don't really recall.

When you're accessing it from the subweb, it's likely using the Users account.

Answer 2

I agree with Peter. All you need to do is create the new form for anonymous access, and include the queries that will be needed in the code. I would also create a temporary table in which to store the data input by users so it can be parsed and validated before it is entered into the actual tables.

As long as you allow the user's access to only that form, there is really no danger that anything negative could happen - as long as you explicitly define the queries.

Good luck.

Answer 3

I don't see what the problem is. You only put queries in the ASP that you want the public to run. They can't access the database any other way. They have no access to the asp itself.



Don't ever put your database file where it can be accessed directly from the web.

Answer 4

For one, the above is right - password protect the user account, then flip to the login screen (in XP, you can click Start > Log Off > Switch Screen Names) ... Alternatively, in the display options where you set the screensaver, there's an option "On return, view Welcome Screen" ..I'm pretty sure that makes a login necessary. Set the screensaver for something short and it'll go on soon after you leave, yeah?