MDBLoader Version 3.0
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What's new
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MDBLoader V3 is a completely rework of the original MDBLoader

what does it do
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It compares a master application agains a local installation, installs it to the client, if a newer version is available and then after starts the newest version of your access application

how to configure
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The MDBLoader V3 can be started by a shortcut with parameters to configure it's behaviour

"<Path To MSAccess.exe>" "<PathToMDBLoader>" <commandparameter>

Command Parameters
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If you ommit the command parameter then MDBLoader V3 will be started in the enduser mode and start the configured application.
If the configuration parameters are wrong the user is asked to open the configuration or just to leave the MDBLoader.

/cmd configure
This parameter opens the configuration screen for the MDBLoader V3

/cmd debug
This parameter will not just install a newer version, but inform the user about the versions found and how to continue

What do I have to change in my application
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To be able to read the version of your application, your application needs a version stored in it. You may have (or create) a Table Settings with the fields Setting and Key. If so you may add a record with a key "Version" and the Setting "1.0.0" to indicate your version.
If you have already such a version information somewhere in another table you also may use this information and configure the MDBLoader V3 accordingly.
That's all you need to change in your application.

Is the MDBLoader V3 free
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Yes, the MDBLoader is free including the source. The only restriction is: If you use it or parts of it, please let the copyright remark in it. Maybe I once will become famous ;-)



Example
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Create following directories:
C:\MyApp
C:\MyApp\Master
C:\MyApp\LocalInstall

copy the YourApp.MDE file into the C:\MyApp\Master folder. In standard production environment this probably would be on a share on the network.
copy the MDBLoader3.MDB into the C:\MyApp\LocalInstall folder. You may also for the MDBLoader want to use a network share instead the local drive.
copy the Workgroup.MDW into C:\MyApp\Master. You also may ommit this step. This step is only required if you want to start your application with a workgroup file.

Now start the MDBLoader3.MDB by doubleclick. Access 2003 should open and open your MDBLoader V3 in configuration mode, as it's not configured yet.

configure it by entering following values (selection for filenames is possible):

Master:  "C:\MyApp\Master\YourApp.MDE"
MDW:     "C:\MyApp\Master\Workgroup.MDE
Table:   "Settings"
Field:   "Setting"
Condit.: "Key='Version'"
Path:    "C:\MyApp\LocalInstall"
excl.:   unchecked
SSO:     checked

Now click on the CommandButton to build the command. You now test the command.

If everything is configured correctly the versions should be displayed below.
If you see N/A in a version field, then the MDBLoader V3 is missconfigured and probably will fail to start your appliaction.

Now close the MDBLoader V3 and reopen it without any command parameters. Now instead of the MDBLoader your application should be startet.

Now you may want to change your application. Open the YourApp.MDB and change the backgroupd color of the YourApp Form to green. Don't forgett to open the Settings table and to change to a higher version, for example 1.0.1.
Now create a MDE to the folder Master. Give it the same name "YourApp.MDE" there. Close the YourApp.MDB you changed and all Access Instances.

Now start the MDBLoaderV3 again without any parameters. The new application should become installed to the Path C:\MyApp\LocalInstall automatically and thenafter should be opened.


What's next
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Enjoy!!!








