No Longer Set

Microsoft Access Acronyms

Bookmark this handy reference so the next time you come across an Access acronym that you don't recognize, you will have a quick way to look it up.

Tools

Creating a Shortcut to an Environment Variable Path

If you rely on OneDrive or SharePoint to collaborate on files with your team, this tip will help you provide a uniform way to access data across all devices.

Form Design

Tabbed Master-Detail Form

The tabbed master-detail form is the heart of my Access applications. The first tab has record details, while the other tabs provide subforms for one-to-many relationships.

Tools

Setting a Common Path to Sharepoint Site Folders on Multiple Devices

This quick tip will help you create consistent development environments across multiple devices and users.

SQL Azure

Configuring Firewall Settings on Azure SQL Server

The simplest way to configure access to Azure SQL Server is via IP4-based firewall rules. We'll explore the pros and cons of a few different approaches.

twinBASIC

twinBASIC Update: January 23, 2022

Highlights include the introduction of TWINPACKs and the TWINSERV package manager, IntelliSense improvements, and easier reporting of twinBASIC bugs.

Code Library

Convert CIDR Notation to IP Address Range in VBA

A VBA function to convert from CIDR notation (192.168.1.1/24) to the corresponding IP range (192.168.1.0 - 192.168.1.255).

SQL Azure

Creating Your First Azure SQL Database: The Basics

Part 2 in my series on SQL Azure for Access Developers takes you step-by-step through the process of creating a new Azure SQL Database.

Hidden Features

Access Error Number Message Lookup

Did you ever come across an error number in your Access code--maybe in an If or Select Case statement--and wonder what it was for? Wonder no longer.

SQL Azure

SQL Azure Pricing Overview

Figuring out SQL Azure pricing is straightforward. As in, it's just as pleasant as if you were to drive your car straight forward into a wall.

Bug Alert

Bug Alert: Can't Access Shared Folders via UNC Alias

UNC aliases are a great way to set up development environments for Access applications that rely on UNC paths. It's too bad Microsoft broke them.

SQL Azure

SQL Azure for Access Developers

If you've been thinking about migrating some of your Access application data to SQL Azure, this series of articles is for you.

twinBASIC

twinBASIC Update: January 16, 2022

Highlights include the CompileIf attribute and IsObject function for generics, an experimental package manager, and 10 Guiding Principles of twinBASIC.

Whiteboard Sessions

The Knowledge Square

For knowledge workers in the 21st century, it's better to know what question to ask than it is to know the answer to the question.

Basic

How to Pause VBA Code

A simple Windows API call makes for a reliable and efficient way to pause your VBA code. Much better than a "do-nothing loop."

Advanced

3 Ways to Create Class Instances in VBA

Before you can use a class, you need to create an instance of the class and assign it to an object variable. ... Or do you?

Tools

Application Environment Inheritance

Understanding how applications inherit environment settings from one another can shed light on some otherwise puzzling situations.

Debugging

Checking Specific TCP Port Access to a Remote Machine

Troubleshooting network connections is tough. Generic error messages make it hard to identify the root of the problem. This PowerShell cmdlet can help.

Hidden Features

DefType Statements in VBA: The Dark Side of Backward Compatibility

Young VBA programmer, be not tempted by the dark side. DefType statements must be understood, but never used!

twinBASIC

twinBASIC Update: January 9, 2022

Highlights include error messages that now match VBx, a twinBASIC Discord server, and a teaser about twinBASIC's potential as a VBA replacement.

Bug Alert

Patching Access 2013 Runtime to Fix "File Already In Use" Bug

Step-by-step process to patch the 2021 Holiday Bug for Office/Access 2013. These same steps can be adapted to patch other versions, too.

Text-To-Speech

Reading Text Aloud in Microsoft Access

Want a quick way to get started with Text-to-Speech in your VBA application? This 4-line method gets the job done and requires no references!

Advanced

The Microsoft Access Ternary Operator

It's a function. It's a statement. It's an operator. It's a--what the heck do we call this short-circuit-evaluating IIf() thing and why does it even matter?

Form Design

Modern Message Boxes in Access

These modern message boxes from Kevin Bell will help set your Access applications apart from the crowd.

Form Design

IslaDogs: Getting Creative with the Access Application Interface

This one-hour video from Colin Riddington (aka IslaDogs) is jam-packed with API-based Access user interface hacks.