Importing Files into an Access Database

[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.

 

[Jeff Boyce]

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

 

[SueK]

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

 

[SueK]

Okay - I got the hyperlink issues figured out. It works now Thanks.
-Sue