Necessity of bringing data from one access database to another can arise anytime. Copying and pasting is the simplest option but time taking too. In that case access 2016 option of importing and linking works as time savvier. This option offers you a better control and flexibility over the data that you bring and over how you bring that data into the destination database. Linked table enable you to have a frontend database that stores and retrieves data from an external source. Access has such an option of Import/Export wizard that enables you to set up linked tables.
You can create new tables from other access database by importing and linking tables. When you link a table, the data stays in its original location but you can display and access that data from within your database. If the data in the original data base changes then the changes will appear in your linked database too. After selecting the table you want to link during the linking procedure, you have the option of saving the import steps for use again in the future.
Here is the complete step on how to link table that stores and retrieve its data from another backend database.
From the External Data tab on the ribbon, click to the access option in the import and link group.
NOTE: the external data tab is available only when a database is open.
In the File Name text box enter the name of the source database or click to Browse option to display the File Open dialog box.
Click Link to the data source by creating a linked table, after then click OK.
In the Link Table dialog box, select the table you want to link to. In order to cancel the selection, click the table again.
Click OK to end up the operation. This will create the linked tables.
Now, open the linked tables in datasheet view to ensure that the data looks correct or not.
