Initial Setup & Steps

Why can't I share my Enviro Data database using OneDrive or SharePoint?

The answer below from Microsoft (emphasis added). Do not use OneDrive or SharePoint to share an Access database as this…

The answer below from Microsoft (emphasis added). Do not use OneDrive or SharePoint to share an Access database as this is not supported. If you need to share your database use a local server, SQL Server database, or Azure SQL database.

The following is from Microsoft.

Want to combine and enhance both Access and SharePoint? To do so, you can import, link, or move data between them. Importing creates a copy of the SharePoint list in an Access database. Linking connects to data in another program, so that you can view and edit the latest data both in SharePoint and Access. Moving creates lists on the SharePoint site that remain linked to tables in your database and maintains their relationships. [SharePoint Lists have a very limit capacity and will not support an Enviro Data database.]

Although you can save an Access database file to OneDrive or a SharePoint document library, we recommend that you avoid opening an Access database from these locations. The file may be downloaded locally for editing and then uploaded again once you save your changes to SharePoint. If more than one person opens the Access database from SharePoint, multiple copies of the database may get created and some unexpected behaviors may occur. This recommendation applies to all types of Access files including a single database, a split database, and the .accdb, .accdc, .accde, and .accdr file formats. For more information on deploying Access, see Import, link, or move data to SharePoint.

For an overview on sharing a single back-end Enviro Data database locally or a remote desktop, on OneDrive/SharePoint (not recommended), or on a sever, please see Ways to share an Access desktop database

Where can I get help after installing Enviro Data?

Read the Getting Started document, take the Tour in both the Editor and Viewer, and read the Documentation. All of…

Read the Getting Started document, take the Tour in both the Editor and Viewer, and read the Documentation. All of these are available on the main screen of both the Editor and Viewer. Also, the Documentation is updated on a regular basis so check back on a regular basis to see if a new version is available. 

Check this Frequently Asked Questions section to see if your questions has already been answered.

Ask Geotech Support for help at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. When asking, make sure to be specific, provide screen shots, and include the version of Enviro Data you are using, 

When setting up a new project, why won't Enviro Data let me save my database?

Because of a limitation in Microsoft Access, you can only create a database in a folder that has no spaces…

Because of a limitation in Microsoft Access, you can only create a database in a folder that has no spaces in the path, and the filename also cannot have spaces either. Once the database has been created,it can be named any valid filename, and placed and used anywhere you wish, but you can't CREATE it with a name like My Database, or in a folder like My Documents. This also applies to mapping a drive path that contains spaces. but the path name does not.

When installing Enviro Data, why do I see the message "An error (-5004 : 0x80070005) has occurred while running the setup."?

The following error message may occur when you try to install Enviro Data if you do not have administrative rights…

The following error message may occur when you try to install Enviro Data if you do not have administrative rights on your computer. You will either need to sign on with an Admin account to install or have your IT Department do it  for you. If you have Admin rights and get this message, you may have to right-click the setup program and choose "Run as administrator."

5004 error when installing Enviro Data

What is required to run Enviro Data on SQL Server?

Many clients with larger database want to keep Enviro Data database on SQL Server for performance and safety reasons. To…

Many clients with larger database want to keep Enviro Data database on SQL Server for performance and safety reasons. To do this you need:

1. A computer to run SQL Server. This could be a regular computer, but a server class machine would be preferred. The computer does not need to be dedicated and it can be used for other things, given significant resources. It could also be an Azure VM with SQL Server.

2. A copy of Microsoft SQL Server. 2016 or later, Standard or higher, would be best, although anything newer than 2012 will work. After some recent bad experiences (poor performance), we do not recommend using SQL Server Express. Although it works for some clients, you may not be able to upgrade your data to the full version. .

3. A copy or the Enviro Data database in SQL Server format. Geotech can migrate your current Enviro Data Access database file(s) to SQL Server  for you, if needed.

4. Client Access Licenses (CALS) for each named user.

What happens after a new install?

You will be asked to enter a code to authenticate the program. You should have received this code when you…

You will be asked to enter a code to authenticate the program. You should have received this code when you pruchased Enviro Data. If you do not enter a code you are given 7 days to evaluate the program. If you are evaluating Enviro Data and need more time, you can contact Geotech for a code to extend your evaluation to 30 days at no charge.

During the install, a sample database called EnvDData8.mdb is copied into the program folder, C:\Enviro\EData8. Enviro Data connects to this database by default when it is first opened. You can use this database to take the Tour in both the EDITOR and the VIEWER to learn how to use the program.

What considerations are there on how and where an Enviro Data database need to be shared and/or stored?

Database applications change and grow over time. Many factors impact needs and performance including the number of concurrent users, the…

Database applications change and grow over time. Many factors impact needs and performance including the number of concurrent users, the network environment, throughput, latency, the size of the database, peak usage times, and expected growth rates. In short, if your database solution is successful, it probably needs to evolve. Fortunately, Access has an evolutionary path, from simple to advanced, that you can take over time to effectively scale your solution.

Enviro Data uses both front-end and back-end client relational database files with many tables, forms, modules and other objects. Both of the front-end files are Access databases that attach to a back-end database where the actual data is stored. There are also setting for the front-end options that are stored in a Settings file that is also an Access database linked to the front-end clients., an Editor and a Viewer. The back end can be in Access, Microsoft SQL Server, Azure SQL or Oracle. Where the backend database is in Access, specific considerations must be made as to how it can be shared and where it can be stored. This is not an issue with SQL or other Enterprise storage options. 

For an overview on sharing a single back-end Enviro Data database locally or a remote desktop, on OneDrive/SharePoint (not recommended), or on a sever, please see Ways to share an Access desktop database

Although you can save an Access database file to OneDrive or a SharePoint document library, we recommend that you avoid opening an Access database from these locations. The file may be downloaded locally for editing and then uploaded again once you save your changes to OneDrive or SharePoint. However, if more than one person opens the Access database from OneDrive, SharePoint or Dropbox, multiple copies of the database may get created and some unexpected behaviors may occur. This recommendation applies to all types of Access files including the Enviro Data Editor and Viewer, a single database, a split database, and the .mdb, .accdb, .accdc, .accde, and .accdr file formats. While SharePoint shares some features with databases and is a great tool for document management, it's not designed to be used as a database and it falls short in supporting all common database functions. For more information on deploying Access, again please see Ways to share an Access desktop database

Anothere factor to be considered is that you cannot create a new database with a path or file name that contains a space in it. Once the database has been created, this is no longer an issue. However, when updating an Enviro Data database to a new version in some cases a new file may be created and the issue with spaces applies. 

What are Lookup Tables and how can I modify them?

Enviro Data uses lookup tables to enforce data consistency, expand codes, and save storage space. These tables are sometimes called…

Enviro Data uses lookup tables to enforce data consistency, expand codes, and save storage space. These tables are sometimes called Valid Value Lists. Lookups include Station Types, Matrix, Parameters, Units, and many more. Some you will use, and others you may not need. Before starting with a new project you might want to modify the contents of the lookup tables  to suit your project needs. When you create a new database, the lookup tables are brought into the new database from the database you are currently attached to. For your first database, the lookup tables will be from the sample database provided with the software (EnvDData8.mdb).

You can view the existing lookup values, and modify them as necessary. As you create more databases for different types of projects, these lookup tables can evolve. For each new database, you should use an existing database that will have the most similar lookup table contents, and use that to create the new one.

1. Click Maintain Database in the Setup section of the EDITOR MENU.

2. Click on Lookups Report, and print it if you wish. Then close the report, and the MAINTAIN DATABASE form.

3. On the EDITOR, again  under the Setup section, click on Manage Lookups. This screen shows the lookup tables that you can edit.

4. Click on one of the buttons, such as Sample Matrix, to open the editing form. Modify the values as necessary, and then close the form.

Note that in order to maintain referential integrity in your database, you cannot modify any lookup code that is in use in another table. You are able to modify lookup's description however. For example, is the lookup for Sample Martix has a code of "u" for "Ground Water" is used for an analyese, you cannot change the "u" but you could change the description to "Groundwater" if you so chose. 

I just started a new project. How do I enter Sites and Stations?

The data hierarchy in Enviro Data has four major tables, Sites (projects or facilities), Stations (locations of samples or observations,…

The data hierarchy in Enviro Data has four major tables, Sites (projects or facilities), Stations (locations of samples or observations, such as soil borings or monitoring wells), Samples, and Analyses. Enviro Data uses a database feature called Referential Integrity to protect your data, and that means that the hierarchy is strictly enforced. So to add Stations, Samples, and Analyses, you will need to have at least one Site. Here's how to do that.

1. On the EDITOR, in the Import / Edit section, click on Sites.

2. Enter a Site Name and State at the top of the SITES form. All other fields are optional. Click Done on the upper right of the screen when finished.

3. The next data element to enter is Stations. You can type them in, as you did Sites, but often it's easier to import them, especially if you already have them in digital form.

4. Using the template ImportStation8.xls, create an Excel sheet with your station information. ImportStationExample8.xls is an example of a compete stations import file. These two files are placed in the Enviro\Edata8 folder in Windows Explorer when Enviro Data is installed.

How do I setup and use concurrent Licensing?

Enviro Data Single User is licensed on a per-user basis, meaning that a license is required for each computer on…

Enviro Data Single User is licensed on a per-user basis, meaning that a license is required for each computer on which the software is installed. For a modest additional cost, users in your organization can share your Enviro Data licenses. This is a great way to provide the software to occasional database users at a very low cost. With Concurrent Use licensing, the software can be installed on as many computers as you wish but can only be used concurrently by the number of users that you have purchased Concurrent Use licenses for. This can be setup for the full Enviro Data package and/or the VIEWER only option.

To use Concurrent Use licensing, install the lock file (supplied by Geotech) in a folder (usually on a server) that is visible to all prospective users. This file, GCSLicense.mde, keeps track of how many licenses are available and in use. For a virtual machine (VM) it can be placed in the Enviro folder. For more than one VM, it can be placed on a shared drive. For a SQL back-end, either would be fine.

The program also allows you to “check out” a license so you can use Enviro Data while not connected to the network. Note that until this license is checked back in, it will not be available to any other users. However, the lock file will allow for a fixed number of overuses for emergency situations. If you exceed your licensed usage, both you and Geotech will be notified.

If you have purchased or upgraded to Concurrent Use licensing, contact Geotech technical support if you need help in installing and setting up the lock file.

How do I setup a new user / computer for concurrent licensing?

After installing Enviro Data on a new computer, close both the Editor and Viewer, then in the Enviro/EData8 folder, find…

After installing Enviro Data on a new computer, close both the Editor and Viewer, then in the Enviro/EData8 folder, find and delete the file named “eKey.lck”. Next, re-open the Editor and enter the License Key in the SETUP LICENSE form. Once the key is entered, you will use this form to point this computer to the lock file called GCSLicense.mde somewhere on your server.

If you cannot locate the license file, go to another licensed computer and using a text editor like Notepad, open the file GCS.lic in this computers Enviro Data directory, C:\Enviro\Edata8.  In that file you will find the location of the license file that you can use with the new computer. However, when using this file be careful not to change anything and close this file without saving it.

If you have problems with the above, contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.and we can setup a Teams meeting to assist you. 

How do I set up the initial Sites and Stations?

The data hierarchy in Enviro Data has four major tables, Sites (projects or facilities), Stations (locations of samples or observations,…

The data hierarchy in Enviro Data has four major tables, Sites (projects or facilities), Stations (locations of samples or observations, such as soil borings or monitoring wells), Samples, and Analyses. Enviro Data uses a database feature called Referential Integrity to protect your data, and that means that the hierarchy is strictly enforced. So before you can add add Stations, Samples, and Analyses, you will need to have at least one Site. Here's how to do that.

1. On the EDITOR MENU, under the Import / Edit section click on Sites.

2.  Enter a Site Name and a State at the top of the SITES form. All other fields are optional. Click Done on the upper right of the screen when finished.

3. The next data element to enter is Stations. Again, on the EDITOR MENU under the Import / Edit section click on  Stations. You can type them in, as you did Sites, but often it's easier to import them, especially if you already have them in digital form.

4. Using the template ImportStation8.xls, create an Excel sheet with your station information. ImportStationExample8.xls is an example of a compete stations import file. These two files are placed in the Enviro\Edata8 folder in Windows Explorer when Enviro Data is installed.

Does Enviro Data handle Data Review and Validation?

Enviro Data has a number of tools for reviewing and validating your data, up to and including calculation support for…

Enviro Data has a number of tools for reviewing and validating your data, up to and including calculation support for EPA CLP Level III data validation and a tool to track lab samples and cost. Contact Geotech for more information.