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The client consists of the Workbench client 'program', which is a Microsoft Access compiled application, commonly known as a Program MDE, or just MDE. The Workbench MDE provides a desktop user interface to the Workbench database. A master copy of the MDE is held on the Workbench Server, where clients sync a local copy of the MDE from. Support for the MDE ended on 31 December, 2021. Users should migrate to WebWorkbench as soon as possible.
Operating System
Any Windows operating system that can run Microsoft Access 2010 is capable of running Workbench, this includes:
- Microsoft Windows 8
- Microsoft Windows 8.1
- Microsoft Windows 10
- Microsoft Windows Server 2012
- Microsoft Windows Server 2012 R2
- Microsoft Windows Server 2016
- Microsoft Windows Server 2019
Microsoft Access
The Workbench application uses Microsoft Access and can work with the following version:
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If a full version of Microsoft Access 2010 is not installed on the PC, then Microsoft Access 2010 Runtime will be installed (supplied at no cost as part of the Workbench Client Install).
Microsoft Office Versions
Microsoft Access 2010 is the only supported version of Access capable of running the Workbench client program.
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Without this extra switch Workbench will open with the default application for Access files on the computer, which may not necessary be Access 2010 Runtime.
Workbench Application Share
All Workbench client PC's need to have access to the Workbench Application Share. The share is accessed during Workbench client installation and throughout normal Workbench usage.
For more information see the Workbench Server Environment (Legacy) documentation.
Workbench Client Setup
Every PC running the Workbench application must also have the Workbench Client installed. This installs on each PC, the Crystal Reports runtime and viewer controls, as well as several other Windows files required by Workbench, including a iGrid and RTF controls which are used on various Workbench screens.
The Workbench Client Install also installs any required Windows Updates to run the Workbench Program MDE.
Crystal Reports
Workbench uses Crystal Reports to print reports and to render them to screen in preview mode. The necessary Crystal Report Runtime files are installed as part of the Workbench Client Setup.
Workstation Screen Resolution
A minimum screen resolution of 1280 x 800 is required to run the Workbench application. Screens with less than 800 pixels height will not render screen menus properly.
Active Directory and Peer to Peer (Workgroup)
A Workbench is designed to run in a Windows Active Directory domain using all the functionality encompassed in that technology. Workbench is not supported on a peer to peer aka Workgroup network without a domain.
VPN Access
Workbench does not support client server connections over a VPN.
End of Life of Office (Access) 2010 and Workbench
Microsoft has announced Office 2010 will no longer be supported after October 13, 2020. Although it will not necessarily stop Access 2010 and existing Workbench desktop client from working, it is strongly recommended to consider migrating to the web version. If that is not an option, please consider upgrading to Workbench 7.41.3 or above, which supports Office 365 Access 32 bit and the free runtime. Standalone Access 2016/2019 32 bit with latest service packs and updates may also be compatible. Note 64 bit versions are not compatible with Workbench.
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