Dynamic File Shortcut

[blindlemonray]

Does anyone know if it is possible create a dynamic file shortcut? I have a file that is output with a new date every day and would like users to have a short cut to it, but the file is output with current date on it.

Any help appreciated.

 

[mechman0712]

We have solved a similar problem by adding a shortcut to the folder that the daily changing file is in to everyone's desktop. Now, you just have to update that folder by replacing the file.

 

[fumei]

In other words, no, you can not create a dynamically changing shortcut - after all a shortcut is a pointer, and it must point to something explicit (like a filename). However, a shortcut to a folder - as mechman suggests - is a possible solution. The folder name remains constant (thus the pointer is explicit), but the file(s) in it can dynamically change.

Depending on a couple of factors, you could do a VBA solution. I have a similar situation in that I have a folder that contains ONE file. That file is also constantly changing, its contents being overwritten and a new filename given to it. The process of giving it a new filename (via SaveAs) also moves the original to a backup folder.

Thus there is only ever ONE file (but constantly changing its name) in that folder. I have the following fired by a shortcut key (Alt-n). I press Alt-n and that file (whatever its current name) is opened.

Sub GetCurrentFile()
Const myPath As String = "c:\zzz\NewDoc\"
Dim file
file = Dir(myPath & "*.doc")
   Do While file <> ""
      Documents.Open FileName:=myPath & file
      file = Dir
   Loop
End Sub

It is also possible to have logic that could determine the last created file in a folder, and open that one. This requires a bit more logic and uses FileSystemObject.

Gerry