Member Avatar for neosonic

Hi guys,

I have a normal .exe file written in visual basic 6.
It's just many forms linked through a database.

I want to put it online, so the users can use it online and my application only need to be installed in one central computer.

How can I put "transform" my offline .exe to make it run online?
Is it possible? how should I rewrite it?

Thanks guys

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  • Latest Post Latest Post by AndreRet

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For (VB6 exe + local Access .mdb with client and pricing tables) the core requirement is clear: keep client data local while delivering centrally controlled pricing. Replies from and point toward server-side solutions; the following are practical, low‑risk alternatives that avoid a full rewrite of the VB6 front end.

One proven approach is to split the Access database into a front-end/back-end: each workstation keeps a local front-end (forms, client table) while the pricing table lives in a separate back-end file that is linked into the front-end. Updating pricing is then a matter of replacing/updating that single back-end file or the table inside it; clients see new prices when they next access the linked table. Caveats: network reliability, file locks and backups need attention.

Another lightweight option is to publish pricing as a simple read-only resource (CSV or JSON) on a secure server and have the VB6 app fetch and merge updates at startup or on demand. Example VB6 fetch pattern:

Dim xhr As Object
Set xhr = CreateObject("MSXML2.XMLHTTP.6.0")
Dim sServiceUrl As String  ' configured by admin
xhr.Open "GET", sServiceUrl, False
xhr.send
If xhr.Status = 200 Then
  Dim s As String: s = xhr.responseText
  ' parse CSV/JSON and use ADO to UPDATE/INSERT into local pricing table inside a transaction
End If

A very low-effort alternative is periodic "update packages" (signed CSV or small MDB) distributed by email or a secure server; the front-end imports and merges changes into the local pricing table (match on price ID, update/insert only). For all options: keep versioning, checksums/signatures, automatic backups before merges, and atomic updates to avoid partial writes. Given VB6 is legacy, these measures buy time while planning a medium-term migration to a server-based pricing service.

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Member Avatar for vb5prgrmr

Either rewrite as an ASP application or convert it to activex.

Good Luck

Member Avatar for neosonic

I have no background of .asp.. and rewrite sounds scary.
How to convert it back to activex?
Can I just use "save as"?
So, if it's in .activex, it can be published online is it?
Thanks for replying :)

Member Avatar for AndreRet

No you can not "save as". an Activex control is build via code and then saved as an "ocx" file. This can then be uploaded to your web site. You will still need some coding done. There are hunfreds of web design applications available for download that will help you to create a web site. Just google it...

You will also need a domain name, many available on the net - google again. This is needed for your web sites "address", in other words, all will happen there. I personally think it will be easier to just write the code in ASP, Phyton, java etc. There are many languages out there.
Once you have secured your domain name, you will be supplied with the FTP Server details where you can upload all your files, including your .ocx.

Google more on OCX, vb6 to learn how to build an activex.

Member Avatar for neosonic

Seems like rewrite is the only solution... :(
Actually... my problem can be solved via email.

In my .mdb (microsoft access file) containing pricing table and client table.
The user can install my application in their own pc and record their client into a provided database.
But, the company might change the pricing table every now and then.
So I want to update the pricing table without interfering the client table, will it be possible?

Thanks, sorry for bothering you..

No you can not "save as". an Activex control is build via code and then saved as an "ocx" file. This can then be uploaded to your web site. You will still need some coding done. There are hunfreds of web design applications available for download that will help you to create a web site. Just google it...

You will also need a domain name, many available on the net - google again. This is needed for your web sites "address", in other words, all will happen there. I personally think it will be easier to just write the code in ASP, Phyton, java etc. There are many languages out there.
Once you have secured your domain name, you will be supplied with the FTP Server details where you can upload all your files, including your .ocx.

Google more on OCX, vb6 to learn how to build an activex.

Member Avatar for AndreRet

Yes it is possible. You will however need their IP adresses, DNS etc. You can then connect to the database, change/edit whatever and viola, your'e done. Another option is to use Teamviewer. You will however need to get a password from the company via teamviewer. It just makes it so much easier, and it will take up 10 seconds of their time. Log in, edit and log off.
Remember to write code into your app to cover when you are trying to edit the database, so no one has access to it for the time you are editting. You might lose data if they have access. I have done this with one of my apps. Login just before they close for business and do what you have to. When they all log in again the following day, all is in place.

Member Avatar for neosonic

Yes it is possible. You will however need their IP adresses, DNS etc. You can then connect to the database, change/edit whatever and viola, your'e done. Another option is to use Teamviewer. You will however need to get a password from the company via teamviewer. It just makes it so much easier, and it will take up 10 seconds of their time. Log in, edit and log off.
Remember to write code into your app to cover when you are trying to edit the database, so no one has access to it for the time you are editting. You might lose data if they have access. I have done this with one of my apps. Login just before they close for business and do what you have to. When they all log in again the following day, all is in place.

that is a lot of inputs mate :)
I will give that option to my boss tomorrow, so he can think about it. thanks, you really save my day

Member Avatar for AndreRet

As the previous post, no problem. Glad I could help. Shout when you need more help. I will gladly assist.

NOW, GO SLEEP!!!! LOL

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