Importing Files into an Access Database

  • Thread starter Thread starter SueK
  • Start date Start date
S

SueK

Hi,
I'm trying to import or otherwise provide links to a number of files in
one folder to my access database. I've tried hyperlinks but they won't allow
me to open the file from the database - I suspect because Access doesn't know
which program to use to open them.
I can open them as a package OLE object, and I have no problems with
storing them as icons.

But I'd like a way to mass enter or automate the entry of the files. I've
tried the entry procedure found here:
http://support.microsoft.com/?id=198466

But when I press the load files nothing happens - I suspect because I have
the OLE class wrong.

If someone can either
a) discribe a way to determine the OLE class and help me get the folder
loading table working.
Or
b) can help me get my hyperlinks to recognize the program I usually use to
open the files.
That would be great.
Thanks.

-Sue
Ummm PS: It is Access 2000 I'm using; and the files I'm trying to open are
..abi files (I'm currently using Finch TV to open them, but I will use any
other free viewer for those types of files if required)
Thanks again.
 
Why? As in "why do you feel you need to 'stuff' one file inside another?"

Another approach commonly used in databases is to store the location of the
file (full path/filename). That way, you can control when and how it opens.

Regards

Jeff Boyce
Microsoft Office/Access MVP
 
That would be fine too.
I need to be able to give a non-database type user a method to click a file
name associated with a record and open the file (as I assume a hyperlink
would do). But the hyperlink field does not seem to work - I get an unknown
file type error with it.
The hyperlink would ultimately be a link to a file on a disk.

I can get it to work if I enter the file as an OLE object.... but entering
each one seperately is a pain... and yes, I realize it blots the db - but
since I can't get the hyperlink field to work for that file type this seems
to be the only alternative I can find.

Like I said I'm not fussy - I'd just like a solution.
And explaining to the end user that the a text box with a file address
"D:\Shale\SHALE3_RP_001_2008-05-09_0124\SHALE3_RP_001_H12_9MAY2008_082_cropped.ab1"
is where they can find the data is not an option.

I want them to be able to go to the record and click on a field and bring up
the file using another program automatically. Each of these records has a
number of files of different types associated with it. Most of which are
pictures or excel spreadsheets.

I'd be happy if I was not storing the file in the database... do I have
other options then hyperlinking the files to the database? If so what? If not
how do I get the hyperlinks to work?
Thanks.
-Sue
 
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