Problems with Access 2000 and Satellite Forms API

Background

Microsoft has acknowledged a serious problem with Access 2000 if you copy in a code module such as the Satellite Forms API. The description of the problem, and their solution, can be found at:

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=3Dkb;en-us;Q304548

Unfortunately, the results of this bug can be that an Access project is rendered useless until you rebuild to a new project. I stumbled across this when converting a project in Access ’97 to Access 2000, and rebuilding every form, report, query, etc. did not seem like a viable (or pleasant) option.

Alternative Solution

First, a disclaimer: I have tried this on two projects and it has worked perfectly both times. But given that this is a Microsoft product, past successes do not guarantee future results. Make sure you have backups before you start!

Steps to insert the Satellite Forms API:

1. Start a new database in Access 2000.
2. Import the Satellite Forms API as per the normal manner (File>External Data).
3. Now open the code in the module, and copy it into memory.
4. Close this database and open the database of the “real” project.
5. Create a new Module called “Satellite Forms API”, open it, and paste the code from Step 3 into this module.
6. Close and save your project.

I have also found that I can copy the code from the file ActiveX.txt, that is located in Program Files\Satellite Forms EE\Doc (this is 4.1.3), and paste it using step #5. The results are the same. This issue is to avoid using an insert of code into your working project.

Lee Church

lchurch@mobitechsystems.com