Data Protection Issues

How to Restrict Access Database Design While Allowing Data Entry

Emma Brown Oct 1, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user needs to lock down an Access 2013 database to prevent modifications to tables, forms, reports, and VBA code, while ensuring end-users can still enter and edit data using designated forms.

How to Restrict Access Database Design While Allowing Data Entry

Product: Microsoft Access 2013
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Distributing a functional database application to end-users where they must be restricted to data entry through a specific switchboard without accessing the underlying structure.
Observed behavior: By default, users have access to the Navigation Pane and full ribbon, allowing them to potentially alter the database design, object properties, and VBA code.

Before you start

Before generating the ACCDE file, you must first create a custom switchboard or navigation form and set it as the default startup form, as users will not have access to the standard navigation pane.

Solution 1Recommended

Split the Database and Compile as an ACCDE File

Splitting the database and converting the front-end to an .accde file is the standard method to lock down design elements and VBA code while permitting normal data entry.

An .accde file is a compiled version of your database where all readable VBA source code is removed and design views for forms and reports are disabled. While it does not provide absolute security against highly advanced exploits, it effectively prevents casual users from making structural changes.

Split the database

Open your Access database, navigate to the 'Database Tools' tab on the ribbon, click on 'Access Database' in the Move Data group, and follow the Database Splitter Wizard to separate your tables (back-end) from your forms and queries (front-end).

Set the default display form

Go to File > Options > Current Database. Under Application Options, select your custom switchboard or main menu from the 'Display Form' dropdown list.

Hide navigation and restrict menus

Still in the Current Database options menu, uncheck 'Display Navigation Pane', uncheck 'Allow Full Menus', and uncheck 'Allow Default Shortcut Menus'. Click OK to apply.

Save as ACCDE

Navigate to File > Save As. Under the 'Save Database As' section, select 'Make ACCDE' (in the Advanced section), click 'Save As', and choose a location to save your compiled front-end file.

Split the Database and Compile as an ACCDE File

Retain the Original File: You cannot reverse an .accde file back into an .accdb file. You must keep the original .accdb file secured in a separate location so you can make future design or code modifications.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can an ACCDE file be converted back to an ACCDB file to edit forms?

No. The ACCDE format permanently removes the editable source code and design views. Any required updates to the database structure or forms must be made in the original ACCDB file and then re-compiled into a new ACCDE file for distribution.

Does compiling to ACCDE fully secure my underlying data tables?

No, it primarily secures the application's design (forms, reports, and VBA). The data in the linked tables is still potentially accessible. To protect the data itself, you should rely on network folder permissions to restrict who can access the back-end database file.

How will users navigate the database if the Navigation Pane is hidden?

You must build a user interface, such as a switchboard or a navigation form, containing buttons that open the necessary forms and reports. Set this custom form as the default 'Display Form' in the Current Database options before creating the ACCDE file.

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