Assume I deploy a run-time version of an Access Database to individual users who would enter data peculiar to themselves on their PC. It's really a single user DB linked to some code in Word.

Some time later, I need add/change a field within a table on that database. I would send an update to the various users.

Should I deploy this application as a front-end/back-end with MDE on the front-end and MDB on the back-end? Can I add a field to their back-end MDB without messing with their data? Is it wise to add some "spare" fields to the tables, and then only require code changes manipulating the 'spares' to the MDE front end that doesn't mess with the users data.

BTW, I know I can write code to manipulate the DB tables, copy data from the old tables to the new, etc. However, I would like to avoid that by being crafty ahead of time.

pdo