Can’t run Access Runtime + database on customer’s pc

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Having made an Access 2010 membership database for a small private organization, tried to make it work on their Windows 7 computer with MS Home and Student Office, and an Access Runtime module.
The database were saved as an accdb file from a full Access 2010 version.
———-
Configuration of Access RT 2010 completed on the customer’s pc.
It said: “Close all active Office programs before the changes can take effect”.
Then it asked for the 25 keys product key of Office.
There was a tick box
[ ] Try to activate the product automatically online
Tried both with and without ticked box.
Then it said: Config. of MS Office Home and Student 2010 done. Close and restart all active Office programs before changes can take effect.

And then this whole process repeated itself again and again.
At one point the Access database actually showed up on the screen, but unfortunately also a message that informed that it would be closed.
At one point it said “Cannot control the license”.
(All messages translated from Danish, so they may not have exactly the same wording in the English version).
——–
We thought you were supposed to be able to run an Access Database from an Access RT module, but did not succeed.
Any help?

PS. Later we probably need to run the RT module on a 2003 or 2007 machine. Any special points to consider here?

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not an expert, very much not an expert.

Googling makes me think you have a referencing problem.

Are the target and source machines both the same installed language?
Is one 64bit and the other 32bit?
Are all the used components of the one database loaded correctly into the target machine?
Are any of the components individually registered (paid for or installed separately) modules?

“Cannot control license” (from my googling) generally means one of the ‘under the hood’ modules isn’t registering correctly to be used on another machine. ActiveX controls are used (from what I read) in Access, and if certain used controls aren’t on your target machine, you’ll get these types of errors.

Is there an option to save your database in a non-referencing sort of way? Perhaps a slightly different file format?

I’m sorry I can’t be of more help, you most definately know more about Access than I do.

You could also try a totally different program to read the database on the target machine. Maybe different software would give you more specific wording about the problems?

Hope I helped somehow.

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Thanks for the suggestions.
Hmmm. I’ll have to look at bit more into it…

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not an expert, very much not an expert.

Googling makes me think you have a referencing problem.

Are the target and source machines both the same installed language?
Is one 64bit and the other 32bit?
Are all the used components of the one database loaded correctly into the target machine?
Are any of the components individually registered (paid for or installed separately) modules?

“Cannot control license” (from my googling) generally means one of the ‘under the hood’ modules isn’t registering correctly to be used on another machine. ActiveX controls are used (from what I read) in Access, and if certain used controls aren’t on your target machine, you’ll get these types of errors.

Is there an option to save your database in a non-referencing sort of way? Perhaps a slightly different file format?

I’m sorry I can’t be of more help, you most definately know more about Access than I do.

You could also try a totally different program to read the database on the target machine. Maybe different software would give you more specific wording about the problems?

Hope I helped somehow.

Originally, we made the database assuming that Access was a part of the Office Home (as it was in olden times). Then when we discovered that Access is no longer a part of Office Home, we tried Office Libre and OpenOffice. But there were other problems there – a lot of them. Then someone told us about the free Access Runtime by MS. But apparently this is also not problem-free. 😉
We’ll look into your suggestions. Thank you.

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Having made an Access 2010 membership database for a small private organization, tried to make it work on their Windows 7 computer with MS Home and Student Office, and an Access Runtime module.
The database were saved as an accdb file from a full Access 2010 version.
———-
Configuration of Access RT 2010 completed on the customer’s pc.
It said: “Close all active Office programs before the changes can take effect”.
Then it asked for the 25 keys product key of Office.
There was a tick box
[ ] Try to activate the product automatically online
Tried both with and without ticked box.
Then it said: Config. of MS Office Home and Student 2010 done. Close and restart all active Office programs before changes can take effect.

And then this whole process repeated itself again and again.
At one point the Access database actually showed up on the screen, but unfortunately also a message that informed that it would be closed.
At one point it said “Cannot control the license”.
(All messages translated from Danish, so they may not have exactly the same wording in the English version).
——–
We thought you were supposed to be able to run an Access Database from an Access RT module, but did not succeed.
Any help?

PS. Later we probably need to run the RT module on a 2003 or 2007 machine. Any special points to consider here?

My previous experiences with the Access runtime were less problematic, but I never used it in a PC with Office.
Have you tried an Office repair?

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Thanks for the idea of an Office repair.

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Sounds like the trial version of Access was installed with the MS Home and Student Office. Try running the setup for MS Home and Student Office and remove Access if it was installed.

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Sounds like the trial version of Access was installed with the MS Home and Student Office. Try running the setup for MS Home and Student Office and remove Access if it was installed.

It was not a trial version but the so-called MS Runtime Access (free) which is supposed to be able to run databases, change data etc. but not make design or design changes.

Access is no longer a standard part of MS Office Home & Student version. You have to buy it separately, and it’s quite pricy ;-(
Or you could buy the Office Professional which is also not cheap ;-(

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I just checked out the Access 2007 runtime… it doesn’t seem to support the features of Access 2010…? I don’t know what I’m talking about most likely, but the MS page doesn’t mention Access 2010 at all.

You mentioned you may need the file in Access 2007 and 2003, I think you should try to create the database in 2007 for it to work in Access runtime 2007.

Also, it looks like there is a way to compile your database with the runtime to create a separate EXE possibly… will you need to edit the forms in the database often? THis might be an option. Then again, as I keep saying, I haven’t done databases in years.

but I do tend to find the tools and learn what I need as I go… so… extra hands if wanted. 🙂

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I just checked out the Access 2007 runtime… it doesn’t seem to support the features of Access 2010…? I don’t know what I’m talking about most likely, but the MS page doesn’t mention Access 2010 at all.

You mentioned you may need the file in Access 2007 and 2003, I think you should try to create the database in 2007 for it to work in Access runtime 2007.

Also, it looks like there is a way to compile your database with the runtime to create a separate EXE possibly… will you need to edit the forms in the database often? THis might be an option. Then again, as I keep saying, I haven’t done databases in years.

but I do tend to find the tools and learn what I need as I go… so… extra hands if wanted. 🙂

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It was not a trial version but the so-called MS Runtime Access (free) which is supposed to be able to run databases, change data etc. but not make design or design changes.

Access is no longer a standard part of MS Office Home & Student version. You have to buy it separately, and it’s quite pricy ;-(
Or you could buy the Office Professional which is also not cheap ;-(

I understand that the MS Office Home & Student version is not a trial version. I was referring to Access only being a trial version. With MS Office Home & Student and MS Office Home & Business 2010 versions Access is included in the installed package. (See image below) When you install Office using the default install it will install the trial version of Access. Your License key does not include Access. When Access is launched it will be a a trail version.

I am in the process of setting up another new PC for a client. They purchased Microsoft Office Home & Business 2010. They will be using the Access 2010 Runtime to run my software. I have to do a custom install of Office and select not to install the Access. (See image below). Next I will instal the Access Runtime version. When I first started supporting Office 2010 I ran into the same issue you are having because the full version of Access was getting installed without a license. SO tt was in trial mode. Installing the Access Runtime without first removing the full version of Access did not help. Once I figure this out I have been able to successfully install Microsoft Office Home & Business 2010 and the Access Runtime on 100’s of PCs.

33880-Office2010install_options

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Thanks a lot.
One of my customer’s machines is a MS Office Home & Student (and not Business). Do you think what you write applies to this version also? (I don’t have access to that machine right now). Because what I remember is that there was no Access – not even trial – on that machine.

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Thanks a lot.
One of my customer’s machines is a MS Office Home & Student (and not Business). Do you think what you write applies to this version also? (I don’t have access to that machine right now). Because what I remember is that there was no Access – not even trial – on that machine.

Yes, I have seen it with the Home and Student. As far as I know this is try of all version of Office 2010 that do not include a license for Access.

FWIW: I have tried the built in Package and deployment wizard. It just has to many issues and limitations. If you do use it, I find it best to make two packages. One with the Runtime and one without. It is very important that you do NOT install the Access Runtime on a machine that already has the Full version installed.

I have written some articles that may help. See:
What is the Access Runtime Version?
Access 2007 runtime deployment – FAQs (alos applies to 2010)

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Yes, I have seen it with the Home and Student. As far as I know this is try of all version of Office 2010 that do not include a license for Access.

FWIW: I have tried the built in Package and deployment wizard. It just has to many issues and limitations. If you do use it, I find it best to make two packages. One with the Runtime and one without. It is very important that you do NOT install the Access Runtime on a machine that already has the Full version installed.

I have written some articles that may help. See:
What is the Access Runtime Version?
Access 2007 runtime deployment – FAQs (alos applies to 2010)

Yes, issues and limitations…. Tried the packaged version (with RT and database)… but it didn’t work out on the customer’s pc.
I might try without RT in the package (and separate install of that)… but I have a feeling it just might not work….

I’ll look at your articles though. 😉

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Yes, issues and limitations…. Tried the packaged version (with RT and database)… but it didn’t work out on the customer’s pc.
I might try without RT in the package (and separate install of that)… but I have a feeling it just might not work….

I’ll look at your articles though. 😉

Did you first run the Office setup and make sure that the Full version of Access was not installed? If it is installed you will nee to remove it before you install the Access runtime

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Did you first run the Office setup and make sure that the Full version of Access was not installed? If it is installed you will nee to remove it before you install the Access runtime

On the client’s machine, Office Home and Student was already installed (which has no Access component), so I didn’t “first” run Office setup on that machine (but removed the old Access runtime from the other day I tried). When installing from the burned cd (with runtime and database packaged), it again installed something, and again asked for 25 key license code. Again, at one point you could actually see the database, but then again it asked for the license key and the loop began again…

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On the client’s machine, Office Home and Student was already installed (which has no Access component), so I didn’t “first” run Office setup on that machine (but removed the old Access runtime from the other day I tried). When installing from the burned cd (with runtime and database packaged), it again installed something, and again asked for 25 key license code. Again, at one point you could actually see the database, but then again it asked for the license key and the loop began again…

I would urge you to run the Office Setup to see if Access was part of the install. Until you verify that it will be impossible to help you.

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I thought I posted this earlier, guess I didn’t.

If it isn’t too much of a hassle, you could send me the file (or one quite similar) and I can test it against the database apps I have.

I have a client that is gearing up for a big upgrade/update, as a result I have quite a large number of ‘office’ applications.

I usually wouldn’t offer myself out like this, but I have a dire need to learn this aspect of office applications at this time.

Please private message me for my email address, if you are interested.

If not, no harm, no foul. I understand data files can be sensitive things.

I haven’t used Access in years… Remember casette tapes? Had a database of all the songs and timer spots for each song… ha… those were the days… 😉

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I thought I posted this earlier, guess I didn’t.

If it isn’t too much of a hassle, you could send me the file (or one quite similar) and I can test it against the database apps I have.

I have a client that is gearing up for a big upgrade/update, as a result I have quite a large number of ‘office’ applications.

I usually wouldn’t offer myself out like this, but I have a dire need to learn this aspect of office applications at this time.

Please private message me for my email address, if you are interested.

If not, no harm, no foul. I understand data files can be sensitive things.

I haven’t used Access in years… Remember casette tapes? Had a database of all the songs and timer spots for each song… ha… those were the days… 😉

Yes, they are quite sensitive about privacy, so unfortunately that is not possible (to send the database).
But thanks for the offer.

The old days… remember the days of paper tapes with holes in them? 6 or 8 holes wide – we used to send whole books for photo type setting… before that they were used to guide lead setting machines esp. at newspapers…

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As far as I know, and web research appears to confirm it, Access has never been included in any version of Office other than the Professional version and up, with one exception. There was an Academic version of 2010 (now termed University) that apparently did include it. That version has migrated to Office 365, and most of those versions do include Access.

That said, the run-time that you can create is intended for installation on PCs which don’t have Access installed. It appears that something went awry either in the construction of the RT or in the installation of it on the PC. This MSDN thread[/url] may provide some insight as to the issues of deploying an Access RT using the Packaging and Publishing tools.

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As far as I know, and web research appears to confirm it, Access has never been included in any version of Office other than the Professional version and up, with one exception. There was an Academic version of 2010 (now termed University) that apparently did include it. That version has migrated to Office 365, and most of those versions do include Access.

That said, the run-time that you can create is intended for installation on PCs which don’t have Access installed. It appears that something went awry either in the construction of the RT or in the installation of it on the PC. This MSDN thread[/url] may provide some insight as to the issues of deploying an Access RT using the Packaging and Publishing tools.

That MSDN thread resolved the problem!
Thank you!
When using the install disk of MS Office Pro 2010 and adding the “Package” add-in (which was not installed by default on first install) the option of “Package and distribute” and “Package solution” was added to Access. I’ve burned a disc with the database “packaged” including the Runtime module. Have yet to see if it works, but there should be a good chance! 😉

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Hmmm.
Tried the burned disc with the RT packaged with the database.
I almost worked… But then again it asked for 25-key license code, and it went into the old loop again.

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Sorry to ask a potentially flawed question, but have you tried your package on a completely different computer that has never had any Office installations?

Correct me if I’m wrong, but isn’t the installation of the Runtime and your files… it isn’t supposed to request any key, correct?

Correct me if I’m wrong, but you didn’t include any fancy plugins, or non Access 2003 supported functions?

Can you load your database files into a full version of Access 2003, (which is what the runtime is based off of?)

These types of problems are easiest to work out when multiple machines are available to test with… I am fairly confident the problem lies with the two installations being mutually exclusive for unknown reasons on the specific machine… trying on a different machine might enlighten you to different issues (maybe better error messages).

How’s this for a shot in the dark:

Is the Access 2003 Runtime Windows 7 compatible?
Is the XP Mode option available at the client?
Have you tried XP Mode at all (not at client, but in your own testing?)
Have you tried completely removing/uninstalling Office Student and REBOOT and then install Access Runtime files? (I understand if you want to avoid this, and that is why I ask about XP Mode)

Have you tried to run Office Home and Student setup to confirm various items are not installed? I would double check and ensure no components that Access use are selected (I don’t know what all could be included here, but perhaps import/export filetypes?)

Not to insult your intelligence, but it can be vital to reboot once or twice after each install or uninstall. I’ve been in a rush too many times to count, stuck with hitting my head against the wall, all because I was in too much of a rush to do a reboot before an install. In this case, a reboot does not equal logging off and back on. Power must cycle, as well.

Good luck my friend, and keep us posted on any developments.

Can someone, anyone, send me an example of a working Access database packaged the way the Topic Starter is doing this? I’ve never used the runtime (don’t have M$ Office) and have no way to try this out. It seems to me as if someone could make a cassette tape database, package it with the runtime, and give away a working cassette database program. Is that true??

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Correct me if I’m wrong, but isn’t the installation of the Runtime and your files… it isn’t supposed to request any key, correct?

That is only true if a Full versions of Access is not already installed.

Correct me if I’m wrong, but you didn’t include any fancy plugins, or non Access 2003 supported functions?

Thee issue is with Access starting. It has not even go to the point of loading he database when it ask for the License Key.

Not to insult your intelligence, but it can be vital to reboot once or twice after each install or uninstall. I’ve been in a rush too many times to count, stuck with hitting my head against the wall, all because I was in too much of a rush to do a reboot before an install. In this case, a reboot does not equal logging off and back on. Power must cycle, as well.

I totally agree. Rebooting between each uninstall is important with Office

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Thank you. Please see comments inside your quote in bold.

Sorry to ask a potentially flawed question, but have you tried your package on a completely different computer that has never had any Office installations?

No.

Correct me if I’m wrong, but isn’t the installation of the Runtime and your files… it isn’t supposed to request any key, correct?

I didn’t think so either.

Correct me if I’m wrong, but you didn’t include any fancy plugins, or non Access 2003 supported functions?

Not as far as I know.

Can you load your database files into a full version of Access 2003, (which is what the runtime is based off of?)

Don’t know. We have downloaded the Access 2010 Runtime.

These types of problems are easiest to work out when multiple machines are available to test with… I am fairly confident the problem lies with the two installations being mutually exclusive for unknown reasons on the specific machine… trying on a different machine might enlighten you to different issues (maybe better error messages).

Yes, and we will probably at some time in the future try it on another machine.

How’s this for a shot in the dark:

Is the Access 2003 Runtime Windows 7 compatible?

It is actually Access 2010 Runtime we have downloaded.

Is the XP Mode option available at the client?

No, because that is only available for the Professional version of Windows 7, and they have Home.

Have you tried XP Mode at all (not at client, but in your own testing?)

No. I also only have Home ed.

Have you tried completely removing/uninstalling Office Student and REBOOT and then install Access Runtime files? (I understand if you want to avoid this, and that is why I ask about XP Mode)

Have you tried to run Office Home and Student setup to confirm various items are not installed? I would double check and ensure no components that Access use are selected (I don’t know what all could be included here, but perhaps import/export filetypes?)

Not to insult your intelligence, but it can be vital to reboot once or twice after each install or uninstall. I’ve been in a rush too many times to count, stuck with hitting my head against the wall, all because I was in too much of a rush to do a reboot before an install. In this case, a reboot does not equal logging off and back on. Power must cycle, as well.

Thank you. A good reminder, because I also sometimes forget it 😉

Good luck my friend, and keep us posted on any developments.

Thank you, and thanks for the suggestions. We are not pressed for time, as things are running OK now (from my computer). Later on we may try again.

Can someone, anyone, send me an example of a working Access database packaged the way the Topic Starter is doing this? I’ve never used the runtime (don’t have M$ Office) and have no way to try this out. It seems to me as if someone could make a cassette tape database, package it with the runtime, and give away a working cassette database program. Is that true??

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