Simulate Access 2007 Runtime Mode

An old trick to prevent users from making changes to a database's design is to use the /runtime switch when opening the database file. Access 2007 has a new trick to do the same thing. Change the ACCDB extension to ACCDR. The user will be able to open the database in runtime mode -- without having to specify the /runtime switch or have the Access Runtime version installed. The UI Ribbon and navigation pane will be missing when the database file opens, so ensure that you make alternate arrangements in your database application design with custom UI Ribbons if necessary.