Question

I can use the following syntax in a Jet (mdb) query to select data from another .mdb file:

SELECT * FROM [Database=C:\Tempo\AnotherDB.mdb;].MyTable

alternatively

SELECT * FROM MyTable IN 'C:\Tempo\Another.mdb'

I want to extend this to use workgroup security a.k.a. User Level Security (ULS). I know how to specify a userID and password e.g.

SELECT *
FROM
[Database=C:\Tempo\AnotherDB.mdb;UID=Admin;PWD=***;].MyTable

but this only works when both mdb’s share the same mdw.

How would I specify the path of the mdw file used to secure the other mdb? Is it possible? If not, why not?

P.S. I asked this question many years ago in this Access newsgroup post but received no reply. I gave up after an Access MVP convinced me it was not possible; I don’t recall the details but it was something to do with the underlying architecture (a workspace supports only one workgroup file and there is no mechanism for a Jet query to instantiate a new workspace? something like that anyway).

My renewed interest has been sparked by this SO comment.

Answer 1

Simple answer: it’s not possible.