Category Archives: Windows 8.1

Feb 21

Microsoft Access Version Comparison Matrix

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microsoftboxes2013Microsoft Access debuted in 1992 and recently celebrated its 25th Anniversary! Over the decades, Microsoft Access evolved with a large number of enhancements, database formats, features both new and old. and discontinued features.

It’s hard to remember all the changes. Fortunately, we created a comparison matrix that shows the different Microsoft Access versions and changes. See when versions were released, their latest service packs, database formats, linked tables, field types, security features, Windows Operating Systems, and many other features both new and old.

Visit our page: Microsoft Access Version Features and Differences Comparison Matrix

feature-matrix

 

Feb 15

Total Access Admin 2016 Released

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real-time-monitortotal-access-adminadmin-icondownload-trial-blue

We are excited to announce our release of Total Access Admin 2016! Total Access Admin is our administrator tool to help you monitor the users going in and out of your Microsoft Access databases (ACCDB and MDB formats) in real-time:

  • adminSee who is currently connected to your Microsoft Access database (you can manage multiple databases from one screen)
  • Monitor up to 150 databases at one time
  • Keep a log of users entering and exiting each database
  • Identify workstations or users disconnecting in a suspect manner which may be the source of database corruption
  • Compact your database when all users exit it
  • Prevent new users from logging into your database
  • Log off idle users
  • Communicate with your users in real-time

New Features

Total Access Admin 2016 is an update from the 2013 version and includes these enhancements:

  • Monitors ACCDB and MDB format databases created by Microsoft Access 2016 (32 or 64-bit version) and earlier versions of Access
  • Works in environments where Access 32 or 64-bit versions is installed, including installations from Microsoft Office365
  • Does not require Microsoft Access to be installed on the machine
  • Up to 150 databases can be monitored at one time (up from 100)
  • Setup program supports Windows 8 and 10, Server 2012 and later, with an option to launch the program after its installed

database-monitor

Download the free trial version today!

Existing customers can upgrade at a discounted price.

May 15

Windows 8.1 PCs Connect to the Network but not the Internet

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windows81This past Tuesday night, Microsoft released a security patch. On Wednesday morning, we and some of our customers encountered problems with connectivity that were quite unusual and different from past security updates. The update required servers to reboot which triggered some issues, but manageable. What was particularly troubling were multiple reports of problems with PCs using Windows 8.1.

The PCs could still connect to the network and see all the network resources, but they could not get on the Internet. Using different logins including Administrator logins didn’t make a difference. Other PCs using Windows 7 or older O/S were able to connect successfully even with the same cable as the Windows 8.1 PCs that couldn’t connect.

What Could be Wrong?

We struggled trying to see if there were issues with:

  • Hardware on the PC, network card, cable or switch
  • Software issues with the automatic Windows patches, DHCP network settings, IP addresses, Firewall, antivirus, etc.
  • Login rights and permissions

We couldn’t determine the problem or find a solution. Since the user could log into the network, permissions seemed sufficient.

From the Windows command prompt (Run cmd), we used the ipconfig command with the release and renew command lines to see if that would reset the IP address, but that didn’t make a difference either:

ipconfig /release
ipconfig /renew

Solution: Flush DNS

Finally, I posted a message to the Microsoft Access MVP group, which I’m honored to be a part of. Long time colleague, Tom Wickerath suggested flushing the DNS (Domain Name System) cache by using:

C:\> ipconfig /flushdns

We weren’t familiar with that command line option as it doesn’t appear when you enter

ipconfig ?

Well, it worked! We may never know whether the problem was caused by the Windows security patch or if it was just a coincidence. Regardless, the flushdns command reset the PCs that were affected by this problem.

Thanks for sharing your insight Tom!