How can I open the database with another program (e.g. Microsoft Access)?
I would like to access my data in the FastMaint database using another program e.g. to create a custom report/ fix some data. How can I do it?
If you have FastMaint Web:
If you are using the built-in Access database and have Microsoft Access installed on your computer just double click on the fmweb.mdb file (usually found in the program install directory). If you are using SQL Server check with your SQL Server administrator about getting access to SQL Server data. Many third party tools such as report writers; data extraction utilities and so on, can read/ write Access and SQL Server databases.
If you have FastMaint Basic/ Standard/ Professional:
These editions store their data in an encrypted Microsoft Access (Jet) database. With the Professional edition you can also use a Microsoft SQL Server database to store your data. Many third party tools such as report writers; data extraction utilities and so on, can read/ write Access and SQL Server databases. Check with your SQL Server administrator about getting access to SQL Server data. If you are using the encrypted Microsoft Access (Jet) database you will need to provide the workgroup information file in the command line arguments as shown in the example below with Microsoft Access 2000 to open the file.
To open the database with another program (e.g. Microsoft Access 2000):
Open a Windows command prompt (usually Start menu, All Programs, Accessories, Command Prompt). At the command prompt enter a command in the following format:
(MS Access path) (database path) /WRKGRP (workgroup path)
e.g. (all on a single line)
“C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\Office\MSACCESS.EXE” “C:\Program Files\fastmaint\FastMaint.mdb” /WRKGRP “C:\Program Files\fastmaint\FastMaint.mdw” /excl
Note: The “/excl” flag above opens the database in exclusive mode (single user mode). It is optional and is only required if you want to create custom Microsoft Access Reports in the database.
Two user accounts are provided with the Access database to read/ write data in this database. This will enable you to create any special reports you need, export maintenance data to a corporate data repository and so on.
- Account “reader”, no password (default) has read access to many tables in the database
- Account “editor”, no password (default) has read and update access to many tables in the database
IMPORTANT! Administrators are advised to change the default account passwords for the above two accounts in the Access database as soon as possible to restrict access to sensitive data.
