CAREFUL! It may be cheaper for a reason.

VB.Net does NOT include the Access Developer Extensions that allow you to
distribute Access Runtime applications. The Access Developer Extensions are
only available as part of the Visual Studio Tools box and MSDN Universal.

Even though most of VST is available in all 3 MSDN subscription levels, the
Developer Extensions are not.  Anyone have a good explanation for this one?
It was enough to keep me from renewing my Professional subscription, since I
would be forced to make an additional purchase to get the Extensions.

Anyway, if you have purchased any Office Developer edition or Visual Studio
tool in the last 7 years (or a competitive product), the upgrade *list*
price for VST is $199.  There is a list of qualifying products at
http://msdn.microsoft.com/vstudio/howtobuy/officetools/

Thanks, Tony!  You've been a huge help.  Maybe I'll just get the VB .Net,
since that comes with it.  I actually think that VB.Net (Standard) is
cheaper than Visual Studio Tools.

    -David Diskin
     Lodi, CA

 "Tony Toews" <ttoews@telusplanet.net> wrote in message
news:38vcb0djfdienfk5u3hjgf94ni7ikh70u4@4ax.com...

 >So... I'm developing a fairly simple Microsoft Access database for a
small workgroup that does not have Access licenses.
 >
 >I've read that if I purchase the Visual Studio Tools for Microsoft Office
System (around $400) I can do this.
 >
 >My questions, if anyone out there has some experience with this and a few
moments...
 >  a.. Is it really that simple?  Just install VST and run the app, point
it to the MDB and away it goes?

 Basically yes.

 >  b.. Is there anything tricky I should know?  Keep in mind I have little
experience with VB.  I'm just a VBA programmer spreading his wings, so to
speak.

 VB knowledge is not required.   The portion which you require is just
 an add-in to Access.

 >  c.. Will it change the way I code things?

 Slightly.  There are some things you need to know such as right click
 stuff doesn't work, you have to create your own menus and you have to
 have a startup form.   See the Developer Edition FAQ below for some
 links.

 >  d.. Do I need to purchase Visual Basic 6 or .Net or anything?  Or will
it work with just VST and of course Access 2003?

 Actually the ADE 2003 does come with VB.Net but it isn't required to
 redistribute your app.

 Also see Microsoft Access (Office) Developer Edition FAQ
 http://www.granite.ab.ca/access/developereditionfaq.htm

 Tony
 --
 Tony Toews, Microsoft Access MVP
    Please respond only in the newsgroups so that others can
 read the entire thread of messages.
    Microsoft Access Links, Hints, Tips & Accounting Systems at
 http://www.granite.ab.ca/accsmstr.htm