From time to time, Apple computer owners may wonder whether it is possible to use the features of Microsoft Access on Mac. Some of the functions may be really helpful no matter how you feel about Microsoft or Windows in particular.
I recently converted one of my clients. He now uses a Mac instead of a PC. I set him up with a Mac Mini and he is now in the process of learning how to utilize his Mac for tasks related to his business. The one problem I ran into while having my client switch from PC to Mac was in transferring over Microsoft Access 2007. This particular client uses Access quite often and needed to be able to use the database program on his Mac.
![Mac Mac](/uploads/1/2/5/4/125465390/343006056.jpg)
The latest version of Microsoft Office 2011 for Mac does not contain the Access program. None of the Microsoft Office versions for Mac contain Access. So the only way to use Access on a Mac is to use some sort of a program that allows Windows programs to run on a Mac. The first program I tried was. The Mac store even suggested I use CrossOver. Of all the Microsoft programs that do work with CrossOver, it seems that Microsoft Access 2007 is the one program that does not work. I didn’t realize that until after I had purchased CrossOver, but the people at CrossOver were generous and provided a full refund.
I chose CrossOver first because it was cheaper than Parallels. But when CrossOver did not work, I gave a try.
Parallels worked great for Microsoft Access 2007 and my client has been able to access his Access files (.mdb) on his Mac. Here are a few points to remember if you are going to use Parallels on your Mac to use Microsoft Access 2007:. You must have a version of Windows and Microsoft Office. Parallels does not come with the operating system or program. You can transfer over Microsoft Access files (.mdb format) to your Mac.
You may need to look around for your.mdb files within Parallels. Look for them under ‘Computer’ and try to find them in the folders within your Mac. If you are a heavy Microsoft Access user, Parallels is a great way for you to be able to use the program. There are also Mac database alternatives if you would like to completely make the shift to your Mac. Either way, you can easily transition from a PC to a Mac and continue to use Microsoft Access 2007 on your new Mac.
I am a small business owner and I have been working and developing a property management system in Access 2017. It works great and I've invested years and sweat & tears over this system.
I run Insightly, FileMaker Pro, JotForms and other Mac based business software platforms on my Mac with iOS Sierra. FileMaker Pro is the biggest pain when it comes to external connectivity where I have to use ODBC drivers that are propriety to the FMpro people and not generic like in normal Windows ODBC connections. Besides, nothing beats Access for ease of use, form design, database application design, etc without the need to learn ASP.net, SQL Server, programming, etc. After reading and, I am thinking the answer to this question is simply, 'No!
There is no best way to run Access'. The ONLY way I've managed to run Access was to use Windows Remote Desktop, and actually run Access 2017 on a separate Windows machine. I've tried some ' 'Windows' emulator programs on the Mac, and frankly they just don't have the smarts for running Access 2017 in Windows, with the ability to run Macros, or VBA, which are designed into my ACCDB database file. I hate to have to use RDT software to remote into a separate machine whether it’s on my local network or cloud based / remote.
Given that I already know I can remote out and have dismissed these options, How can I run MS Access on my local Mac with no network connection elsewhere? Welcome to Ask Different!:) You may need to edit your question to clarify what you mean by I've tried some 'Windows' emulator programs on the Mac, and frankly they just don't have the smarts for running Access 2017 in Windows, with the ability to run Macros, or VBA.
It's not clear what you many by this as many users have no problems using MS Access in a VM on a Mac, although it's impossible to compare with whatever it is you've developed. Another important factor to edit into your question is the model of Mac you use and its specs, as well as the emulator programs you've tried. – Nov 14 '17 at 3:10. Unfortunately you have found the conundrum Microsoft has placed before you. There is no way to run Access natively on a Macintosh. You can try Parallels or Bootcamp to run Windows on the Mac, and then within Windows, Office Access, but that seems a little like a Frankenstein solution.
I know this sounds heretical from the completely Mac-centric IconDaemon, but sometimes Microsoft wins and you have to bite the bullet and run a PC. Have you considered purchasing access (pun intended) to a co-located Windows server? Offers such a service. (No financial or other ties to Colocation America - I just Googled and this was the first company to pop up.).