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GWitekFlag for United States of America

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Access Database as backend for simple website. Suggestions?

We want to create a SIMPLE internal application for a customer.

It's going to work through a basic IIS site and as they check boxes and enter data onto the webpage we want that data to be recorded into an Access Database located on the server.

It's not going to be a big database or very intense and it will be a lot like a timecard system.

What is the best way to do this?
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Jim Dettman (EE MVE)
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What else can I use besides a Jet backend?
SQL Server Express Edition is free and you can have a DB up to 10GB.  Has rollback/forward capabilities and most importantly for you, on-line backups, which means the DB doesn't need to come off-line.

With JET, you would need to either need to take the DB off-line or have backup software that has an open file option.

Jim.
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Thanks,
Any helpful tips on getting started? Maybe a tutorial or Example ASP file on how to attach to the database and do a test?
Sorry I haven't gotten back to you sooner.

I'm afraid I don't do any ASP.Net programming; just know that for truly getting a JET based db on the web under IIS, that's the path most take.

Your other avenue is this:

www.eqldata.com

but I don't think that's what you want.  

I'll have some other experts look at this question.

Jim.
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Thank you!
I would love some super simple examples of connecting to the database (read/write data) if they are available.
This would be a good place to start:

http://www.w3schools.com/ASPNET/aspnet_dbconnection.asp

  I've used W3 for learning XML and their tutorials are good (and free<g>).

Jim.
BTW, not sure where your at with ASP, but note the tables of contents off to the left on the page link I gave you; lots there...

Jim.
You an use an JET database with ASP or APT.net.  You can then later upgrade to an SQL server if needed.  

You will need to decide if you want to use Classic ASP or ASP.NET. There are really different platforms.

To be able to give you the best advice possible it would really help to know your programming background.

Do you already know how to program in VBA?
Do you know how to use VBA and ADO to work with recordsets?

If you are a VBA program and already know ADO then Classic ASP may be your best bet. Especially if this must be done fast and cheap.

While ADP.NET is the most modern solution, it does have a steep learning curve is you are new to programming and/or .NET development.

If you are not a VBA programmer but no some other OOP language then ASP.NET may be the way to go.

<<It's not going to be a big database or very intense and it will be a lot like a timecard system.>>
That does not sound like a very SIMPLE web app.
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Is there any reason why I wouldn't start with a SQL Express DB instead of the Jet Database?
<<Is there any reason why I wouldn't start with a SQL Express DB instead of the Jet Database? >>

 None really.  In fact it would be almost silly not to.  Over the years, SQL server has steadily moved down to the desktop and and it's to the point where it is so simple to use, there's no reason not to use it.

Jim.
FWIW:

When I first started dong ASP programing (before ASP.NET was created) I worked with the open source Snitz Forum ( http://forum.snitz.com/ ). I learned a lot by looking at the source code. It has a security model, etc.  I use it with a JET (Access .mdb)  back end.  It will also use mySQL and MS SQL as the back end.  

Also check out: http://www.codeguru.com/