Windows 7: .MDB file will not overrite or copy

I'm programming in Vb2008 and using an Access 2003 backend for the data.

So I have my access database in My Projects\... ect and I build it to the usual x86\debug folder. However, when I copy the files to a folder I have made in C:\Program Files\ProgramName which had older versions of the files the .MDB file will not update.

I've checked both database files at this point and they're fine all records are up-to-date, except the one where I've copied it to in C:\Program Files\ProgramName is still the old file. I've even SHIFT+deleted the .MDB file from the directory and copied the new one over and it still shows the old data and tables when I open it!!

Any ideas, I'm stumped and totally confused.

Linked tables in the mdb?

Hi thanks for the reply, I'm not using any linked tables or ODBC links. All tables are in the access file.

First impression if I was reading this would be, ah it must be the user doing something silly lol, but seriously I'm simply trying to copy one file over to another location and it's saying it's copied ok, but it really hasn't.

Oh and I'm the only user and have full admin rights.

Something in your front end is pointing to the desired backend file. If you're not using linked tables, then it's probably an ODBC data source. You need to change that (or whatever component in your code points to the back end and manages the connection) to point to the new file.

Can you copy other files successfully? If yes, it sounds like a coding issue in your VB.

Test: Open the "old" mdb from Access - not from your front-end. Link the "new" mdb tables. Compare by query or whatever means. Are the tables identical?

My version of Windows does not "it's saying it's copied ok". If you are copying by code, examine your code carefully for the target.

The problem is not about a coding issue, or linked tables or any fault of your own.

I'm guessing you're coding and running your app on Windows 7, right? If this is true (why would it not be, if you're on SevenForums?), then it's because you're putting your Access database file into a subfolder of "Program Files", which on Vista and Windows 7 is classified as a protected folder, with restricted access to usually Administrator and Trusted Installers. This is by design to help prevent unauthorised programs (malare and such) from making changes they shouldn't.

If your MDB file is in some user folder, such as Documents, or some other user-created folder, then you wouldn't have a problem.

It'll take a bit of getting used to, but you'll have to recode your applications to run from "Program Files", but to locate any and all data files into a user folder.

Thanks for the input people, I think some of you have misinterpreted what I wrote though. I'm not using any code to copy the .MDB file, I'm simply trying to right click copy and right click paste into the destination directory so it is nothing to do with any code. Sorry I should have stated that more clearly in the first place.

Thanks Dzomlija I'll see what happens if I try a different folder. I would have thought that if there was any problems in copying a file or files then Windows would at least tell you it can't do it and why not.

Also the old file is deleted, yet it is still bringing up the old file as though it is the new one, why is that? That must be something not working correctly in Windows surely?

Here's what I'm doing:

Open explorer, browse to project folder containing the .MDB file
Right click and copy it
Browse to the Program Files\ProgramName folder and paste
It says preparing to copy and asks copy and replace or copy and keep existing
I choose copy and replace
It says You'll need to provide Admin permission to copy to this folder
I choose Continue as I have access being the Admin user

The file properties are the same as the source, yet when I open the file it is not the one I just copied, it is the old mdb file. This file remains the same no matter if I delete it and copy the newer one over, it still opens as if it is still the old file. How is that even possible when the file has been deleted and therefore no longer on my system?!

Please can someone HELP!

It's driving me mad and I'm getting very concerned that this new Windows file allocation management system is still buggy!!

i'm not getting help either - no-ones helping wid my dvd problem!

I don't know much about your problem, but I've given my 2 pence worth and hope it helps.

Can someone please HELP me!