Converting MS Access Database To Open Office 'Base'

macman

Could anyone point me to a guide to the above please?I have a friend who has just upgraded her PC and wants to continue to use an old MS Access database. But she no longer has the original MS Office XP Professional install CD and doesn't want to pay out £300 for Office 2010 Professional. She's just using Office Starter edn on the new PC at present,
I believe it's possible to convert the Access database to read in Open Office (or maybe in Libre Office). Is this correct and are there any limitations or hitches please? There is some info online, but it's rather hazy, as is usually the case with open source software.

GunJack

which version of office/access was it created on mac ??

adouglasmhor

macman wrote: »

Could anyone point me to a guide to the above please?I have a friend who has just upgraded her PC and wants to continue to use an old MS Access database. But she no longer has the original MS Office XP Professional install CD and doesn't want to pay out £300 for Office 2010 Professional. She's just using Office Starter edn on the new PC at present,
I believe it's possible to convert the Access database to read in Open Office (or maybe in Libre Office). Is this correct and are there any limitations or hitches please? There is some info online, but it's rather hazy, as is usually the case with open source software.

1. Install open or Libre office
2. Install drivers http://wiki.services.openoffice.org/wiki/Documentation/Database
   
3. Open BASE
4. Use BASE to open the file.
5. Save as BASE default

macman

GunJack wrote: »

which version of office/access was it created on mac ??

Office XP Professional 2002 edn. So it should be Access 2002.

adouglasmhor

http://www.openoffice.org/

Also I was wrong earlier the drivers for MS access come installed. http://www.openoffice.org/product/base.html

paddyrg

Be aware Base is probably less compatible from experience than the other tools, and you may find if using any extended functionality (eg some form elements, reports, macros, etc) that things don't work the same.

adouglasmhor

paddyrg wrote: »

Be aware Base is probably less compatible from experience than the other tools, and you may find if using any extended functionality (eg some form elements, reports, macros, etc) that things don't work the same.

I always find it's formatting more than anything else you lose, you end up redoing it all.

System

And if it uses VBA then it will break under Open Office.

Base is only useful for Access databases if they only use tables and basic reports

macman

I might give it a try, failing that it's over to eBay for a copy of Office XP Professional-unless anyone can suggest an alternative database program that is compatible?

adouglasmhor

!!!!!! wrote: »

And if it uses VBA then it will break under Open Office.

Base is only useful for Access databases if they only use tables and basic reports

This may help apparently http://extensions.services.openoffice.org/en/project/access2base

paddyrg

Nothing is 100% compatible, they are all different systems. MS have spent many millions on Access, and made what is actually a rather splendid tool for consumers/small businesses. Base is getting there, but isn't in the same league in my opinion. If you want Access, buy Access. If you want something simple and similar, Base, otherwise expect some more work