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Rexter's avatar
Rexter
Brass Contributor
Sep 07, 2023

Why the Dataverse connector?

Can anyone explain to me why Microsoft added a Dataverse connector to Access when you can't share an Access DB using Dataverse tables? I would love to know the logic on that piece. 
access
Rexter's avatar
Rexter
Brass Contributor
Sep 08, 2023
Hi Tom,, I am trying to share an Access front .accde file (app) using Dataverse tables as the backend. Not a Power App. Unfortunately, users cannot access the DV tables because the .accde file renders them as read only. The huge error with the Access DV connector is that it won't map to a DV solution, which is probably why I can't share the DV tables as read/write tables. In any case, as I just stated here, it looks like I will have to go old school and build a local SQl server machine. Dataverse is simple not a viable solution for Access, which is why I asked the question, "Why the Dataverse Connecter?" It's an incomplete solution apparently implemented by people who probably never used or developed an Access DB.
George_Hepworth's avatar
George_Hepworth
Silver Contributor
Sep 08, 2023

"The huge error with the Access DV connector is that it won't map to a DV solution" What does that mean in this context? "won't map to a Dataverse solution"? If you mean what I think you mean, it's not accurate. I actually have an Access accdb linked to Dataverse tables in a solution.

 

 

 

But perhaps you mean something entirely different?

  • George_Hepworth's avatar
    George_Hepworth
    Silver Contributor
    Sep 08, 2023

    George_Hepworth 

     

    I take that back. I actually have two accdbs linked to Dataverse tables in two different Solutions.

     

     

    • Rexter's avatar
      Rexter
      Brass Contributor
      Sep 08, 2023

      I have not found and way to export Access tables to a Solution. I tried several times and the tables only export to my environment. I am thinking you have a different subscription than I do. My organization has a 365 Business Premium sub, but apparently, we need an Enterprise sub for full SharePoint & Dataverse capabilities. No budget for that. I tried using Sharepoint lists as a temporary measure, but I am having the same issues. Appearently, Access Combo box won't write to a SP List of Davaverse. So, I ask again, what is both connectors? 

       

      I was told that SP Lists and DV can't be used as data sources for Access. Now I clearly see that they were correct. Hoping I get budget approval for an SQL server soon. In any case, dataverse is a far too a complicated platform. It requires heavy IT support. I am an Access developer, not an IT engineer - not suitable for non-IT developers.

      • George_Hepworth's avatar
        George_Hepworth
        Silver Contributor
        Sep 08, 2023
        "I was told that SP Lists and DV can't be used as data sources for Access"

        That is flat out inaccurate.

        We've been using SharePoint lists with Access since at least 2003. Access Web Databases, released in Access 2007, used ONLY SharePoint lists. In other words, the exact opposite is true. SharePoint lists work just fine. And so do Dataverse tables.

        It may well be that Dataverse is too demanding for your needs, though. That's different from "can't be used".

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