Chapter 31: Distributing Access Applications ...........................................................................
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New Feature
The Current Database options replace the Startup dialog box from previous versions of Access.
Tip
Setting the Current Database options saves you many lines of code that you would ordinarily need in order to
perform the same functions and enables you to control your application’s interface from the moment the user
starts it. Always verify the Current Database options before distributing your application.
Application options
The settings in the Application Options section let you define parameters for your database as an
application.Application Title
The text that you provide in the Application Title field displays on the main Access window’s title
bar. The Application Title is also the text that’s displayed in the Windows task bar when the appli-
cation is open and running.Tip
You should always specify an application title for your distributed applications. If you don’t, the database name
and “Access” appear on the title bar of your application.
Application Icon
The icon that you specify in the Application Icon field displays on the title bar of your application
and in the task switcher (Alt+Tab) of Windows. If you check the Use as Form and Report Icon
box, this icon is also displayed when a form or report is minimized.If you don’t specify your own icon, Access just displays the default Access icon, so you might want
to provide an application-specific icon for your application. Using special program icons helps
your users distinguish between different Access applications.Tip
You can create small bitmaps in Windows Paint and use a conversion tool to convert a .bmp file to the .ico
file format. You can also create icons using other graphics programs or search for application icons online.
Display Form
The form you select in the Display Form drop-down list automatically opens when Access starts
the application. When the form loads, the Form Load event of the display form fires (if it contains
any code), reducing the need to use an Autoexec macro.Tip
Consider using a splash screen (see the “A splash screen” section, later in this chapter) as your startup display
form.