totn Access

MS Access 2003: Hide tables as system tables

This MSAccess tutorial explains how to hide tables as system tables so that they don't appear in the database window in Access 2003 (with screenshots and step-by-step instructions).

Question: I've created an Access 2003/XP/2000/97 database and flagged all of the tables as hidden objects. The users have figured out how to display these hidden tables. Is there any way that I can keep my tables from being displayed in the database window?

Answer: If you've tried setting your tables as hidden objects and the users are still able to find them, you can always set your tables up as system tables. Inside of your Access database, there are several system tables that even you can't see. These tables are used internally by the Access database.

An Access system table is specially named in that the first 4 characters of the table name is always "Usys". If you name your table with the same naming convention, you should be able to hide your table with the Access system tables. You will still be able to use your table in forms, queries, reports, etc. The only difference is that it will not display, by default, in the database window.

For example, you could rename your Suppliers table to UsysSuppliers. The system will then think that the UsysSuppliers table is a system table used by Access and it will not display the table in the database window.

This MSAccess tutorial explains how to view Access system tables.