Before you start the diagnostics:

• Run the diagnostics when you do not need to use your computer
• Make sure you are connected to the Internet
• Close other programmes
• Make sure you have Microsoft Office installation disk in case there are problems and your program will need an access to the disk to repair

If Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint or Access are still working then to start the Microsoft Office Diagnostics follow the steps:

1. Click the Microsoft Office Button , and then click Word Options (or Excel Options or PowerPoint Options or Access Options)
2. Click Resources
3. Click the Diagnose button
4. Click Continue, and then click Run Diagnostics.

If InfoPath, OneNote, Outlook, Publisher, Project, SharePoint Designer, or Visio are still working then to start the Microsoft Office Diagnostics follow the steps

1. On the Help menu, click Office Diagnostics.
2. Click Continue, and then click Start Diagnostics.

If any of the above programmes has crashed so badly that they not start, you can run Office Diagnostics from the Start menu.

1. In Windows, click the Start button
2. Point to All Programs, then to Microsoft Office and then to Microsoft Office Tools
3. Select Microsoft Office Diagnostics

To check which tests are available read Tips and Tricks: Microsoft Office 2007 – Why Use Microsoft Office Diagnostics?

Want more tips? Click on Microsoft Tips & Tricks

So why do IT professionals react against the idea of Access as a possible database solution?

Reason 1: It grows

Access is frequently used for everyday work activities – even when a larger, more powerful system is available. Sometimes a relatively small-scale Access database outgrows its original purpose to become central to an organisation. The challenge at this stage for IT professionals is to put a lot of work into revamping or upgrading the Access database. This is where some of them get grumpy. They want to know why the system wasn’t developed with a more sophisticated platform from the start. But unless you’re good at reading tea leaves, it’s not easy to look into the future and see how important an Access database is going to become for a company. The secret at this stage is to adapt the database to suit the changing needs of the business.

Reason 2: It needs support

The average Access database isn’t created by an IT professional. It’s set up by anyone from an office administrator to a sales manager. Any person who needs to store, manage and analyse information, basically. Which means it’s often not seen by an IT professional until there’s a problem. The glitch might be due to too much information, lack of training or the need for a new feature. The IT person might be called on, but not want to help because of the complexity of sorting it out. This is why in some companies, IT departments have banned the use of Access. But this is missing the point. The best approach is to assess how Access could work as an asset for an organisation.

Reason 3: It’s not professional

IT professionals can be tough critics. Some of them see Access as a toy instead of a real database and won’t use it. This could be something to do with the fact that a lot of Access developers are from a non-programming background. Unfairly, this prevents IT professionals from recognising the potential of Access. Perhaps they’re a little bit jealous. After all, Access is the most popular desktop database on the market.

Reason 4: It’s too easy

What’s wrong with something being easy to use? A lot, according to some people. Believe it or nor, there are IT professionals out there who won’t use Access precisely because it’s too simple to use. Daft, isn’t it? That’s exactly why clever people use it. It’s flexible, fast and it can help resolve a range of issues.

Reason 5: It’s not strategic

Access is so versatile it’s often the basis for a database used by just a few people. This type of database usually has one clear purpose and gets on with the job. In contrast, at enterprise level, an organisation will use highly complex, powerful and expensive to develop databases to drive its needs. Some IT professionals have a problem with organisations that don’t use these powerful databases at all levels. But why apply one answer to a whole range of different issues? After all, a flexible approach can help an organisation get the best out of IT, at every level.

Never forget another birthday again!

It’s true – Microsoft Access can help you remember every important date. Its personal address book feature allows you to create a database with useful information about your nearest and dearest. It provides an individual record for each one of your contacts which includes name, address, telephone number, email and other details including birthdays, anniversaries and upcoming social events. Want to plan ahead?  You can even use Access to generate reports of birthdays or other special events for a particular month.

Keep track of your home contents

You might not want to think about it, but it’s important to be prepared for the worst. If you were burgled would you have the information you need to give to your insurers? With Microsoft Access training you could learn how to use Access to create a database or inventory for insurance purposes. This will allow you to keep key information together – manufacturer, model, purchase price and more. You can even create reports to list your home contents in order of value.

Get a taste for a database

Keen to keep up with a healthy eating plan? Try adding a nutritional database into your daily routine. Used properly it can help you to keep track of your weight, calorie intake, exercise regime – and even record your favourite recipes.

Keep tabs on your collections

Got a hobby? Whether you collect antiques or AC/DC records, Access allows you to keep track of all the vital information on your prized possessions.

Stay on top of your finances

Staying in control of your personal finances is more important than ever these days. But it’s not always easy to keep track of your spending. Why not use Access to create a database and keep a closer eye on your personal account transactions? You could also create regular reports to see exactly what’s going in and out of your account at particular times.