Creating an MDE File
When your intended end-user enters data into your database file, or views information with a query you created, or prints a report with a report you designed, she does not need access to the controls you used to create those objects. All she needs is access to the objects themselves. In fact, it's probably better that your end users do not have access to the Design views for your objects because the integrity of your database will be maintained. When you create an MDE file from your database file, you're creating a streamlined version of the database. It's the same as the original, but there is no access to the design controls. Users of an MDE file can use all your forms, tables, and so on, but they cannot view and modify them in Design view. You also cannot create new forms or reports. This is not only handy from a security standpoint, but it also makes the database more efficient, so it works smoother and quicker.
You Can't Go Back!
Be very sure that the database objects' structures are exactly the way you want them before you create an MDE file. If you need to modify the design of forms, reports, or tables in a database saved as an MDE file, you must open the original database, make the changes, and then save it as an MDE file again. Any data entry you've done in the original MDE file must be duplicated in the new MDE file, which can be a significant amount of work.
To save a database file as an MDE file, follow these steps:
Open the database you want to save as an MDE file.
Enter the name you want to use for the MDE file in the File Name text box, and then click Make MDE File.
To open and use an MDE file, use the same procedure you learned for opening database files in Lesson 6 (File, Open) except change the Files of Type drop-down list to MDE Files (*.mde).