Subject Re: Accessing a database that is stored in dropbox From Matt Milner <Matt.Milner@cox.net> Date Wed, 18 Aug 2021 13:25:30 -0400 Newsgroups dbase.getting-started Akshat Kapoor Wrote: > Good Evening Matt, > > > I am using dBase 2019 to create a program to automate the manufacture of HVAC components for large buildings.  As part of the security for this program, I have placed a database on dropbox with a link similar to this: > >       https://www.dropbox.com/s/???????????????/ExpirationDates.DBF?dl=0 > > When the customer's program approaches their expiration date, I would like to access this database to see whether they have paid us to extend their expiration date. So this is not a web based program . . . just web data that needs to be accessed. How should I proceed? > > This will require dropbox to be installed on each and every computer. > And then the path will also be different. > > There is an easier way out. > create a prg which declares just the following. > > _app.last_date = {31/03/2025} > _app.company_name = [Company A] > (Could be licence number of the app also so that the same file is not > used by all) > > > Adjust the date according to the renewal, compile it and email it to the > purchaser. > All that they would be required is to place it in the app folder. > > In the app > do xyz > > if _app.last_date >date() and _app.company_name = [Company A] >         //do nothing > else >         msgbox('validity of the app has expired ') >         quit > endif > > Compiled programs are damn difficult to uncompile and hence the code > hidden there is safe. > > Disclaimer : This approach is untested. Please test it before implementing > > Regards > Akshat So what I'm hearing is that there is no way for me to access a database that is stored on the internet. I was trying to update my customers without having them do anything.  I currently have a procedure I can do with their participation.