I am in the process of building a very large database in access and when I find out the asp convertion technique it then be converted into asp file format. The main problem I have is that the form will be on line and allow users to register their details and have a box to input information e.g. like in a forum situation. That's not the problem, the problem is, when you set up a database in access you set the field size (for those of you who know access) it is basically permanent. So for instance if it is set to [20] and someone inputs their name as 'ken' 17 characters are wasted which obviously adds on to the size of the file. What I want to do is set something in the file/program/script which activates a check when someone enters their details. E.G. if their name is only three characters it deletes the 17 excess character spaces ,eliminating the added space value to the file. Or, if possible, have a program/script with the file that allows the number of characters equal the the inoutted number of characters, i.e. if name is ken it only uses three characters and not the set field size value. This will be beneficial as it will keep the site and the files optimised, eliminating un-needed space allocation

Steve, I am not aware that you need to convert ACCess to asp. compatible. First, I believe you can complete develop your site in asp (vb, c#, or whatever) and then simply use the connectors and setup the dbconnector feature and link to the database you want to use, which -0-- does not have to be created thru asp or anything like that. Second, "building a very large database in access" -- does not sound like a good idea....I handle databases of 500k to 1.5m records everyday and that is pretty extenuating for a "domestic" databases engine like access. (Size is about 400mb to 700mb) Access, to my knowledge, and unless fixed in recent versions, has a limitation of about 2.0 GBytes...in size. While you can use the tools to compact the DB, it will still be a little bit time consuming and never "optimized". Thirdly, you are right when you say "field size" is permanent. At least while is all setup thru the standard interface. I am not aware that there is a solution to this doing some kind of vb code....but is worth a look. IN respect to using this for a website, forum type or something like that? Would you consider looking at something else? Something that can store procedures, scripts, etc? I would recommend if this is the only way to go, do remember that access is *NOT* a commercial, heavy duty database engine. IF consider MS products, see if you can get a hold of SQL server, or something similar....I would go for "MySQL" and php for a data driven website. I am aware that you have some knowledge of ms Access so the above is not intended to imply you don't know anything :-) -- it's just that recently we (in our office) went to some seriues issues when our access databases went *crazy* after file size issues...."we banged our heads against the wall, then we learned". I am just trying to save from some future trouble..... HOpe it helps.. check "www.mysql.com" and read more about this nice db engine.... Good Luck ;-)