Question : Microsoft, Access, 2007, Prevent exclusive locking of linked table

Scenario:
We need to better track our phone lines and their extensions at the block level. Then take that data and make a dynamic phone directory for the company to utilize.

To do this, we have gathered all the pertinent info and input it into an Excel 2007 spreadsheet. (The basic idea is that any changes made in this speadsheet should be reflected in the database upon saving the changes.)

Then, we used MS Access 2007 to organize and arrange the data using the Multiple Items form.

The Access database has the Excel spreadsheet as a Linked Table.

Created another form with four simple buttons for selection (organize by first name, last name, department or extension) and used simple macros to run queries against the data from the linked table

Success! The output form displays the data and it is all correct. Now we put a copy of the database and the excel speadsheet on a server share and permit others to use it.

Problem: when one user has the access database file open, other users cannot get into it. The error is "The Microsoft Office Access database engine cannot open or write to the file '(Full path to excel filename)'. It is already opened exclusively by another user, or you need permission to view and write its data."

Steps taken:
Modified the excel spreadsheet so it can be a shared workbook -- this change did not fix the issue.
Packaged the database as a accde -- same problem occurs.
Both the database and excel files are marked as read only at the file security (NTFS) level. -- same problem.

What can be done to permit multiple users to view the same read-only data?

Answer : Microsoft, Access, 2007, Prevent exclusive locking of linked table

OK,

Microsoft Access no longer will let you update Linked Excel Data.

JeffCoachman