Inserting Objects - ie Word Documents...

[roystreet]

Hello,
...I have two questions: I have a database in which the users are now asking for the ability to insert word documents. I have been able (just testing it) to create a table in which has an OLE Object field. On the form you can right click & select "Insert Object" - Then you can insert a file in that field. That is a great start for me! It adds the document, but doesn't give it it's actual name, it renames it "Document". I see no way (or option) to keep the original name nor to rename it. I have a suspicion that it will retain it's original name if a linked object is inserted (plus it will save space in the database, but first I would like to utilize inserting it into the database)
...Also, I was looking for a way to create some code that will insert the object (or open the dialog box so you can select the file) via a simple button.

I Appreciate Any & All Help,
---roystreet

 

[alvechurchdata]

I have a database in which the users are now asking for the ability to insert word documents.

Do they actually want to be able to delete the original and just rely on the document in the database? If the Word document is going to remain on disk then it's easier and faster to just store the name and path of each file. Users will be able to view the document by clicking on a button on the form and as far as the average user is concerned the document will be "in" the database.

Geoff Franklin

http://www.alvechurchdata.co.uk

 

[floydpepper]

Roystreet,
I had this same issue a while ago. Are your users entering the docs into a table directly or a form? As far as renaming the doc, I can't help...

But for ease of entry, I can.

I created a form for my users from the base table. Then, I took the OLE field on the form and set the dimensions to 1 x 1.25 (to simulate a "mini-doc" and set the background to white (16777215). Under the properties for the OLE field, set Verb to "-2", Size Mode to "Zoom", and Auto Activate to "Double-Click". This will allow for users to "drag and drop" the icon of their image, word doc, powerpoint, excel, or whatever icon this field. The field will display a miniature version of the doc and will maximize the doc when they double-click it. Much easier and more friendly than "Insert Doc" I think.

I hope this helps you out.

God Bless!
FloydPepper

 

[roystreet]

Hello floydpepper,
...I appreciate your idea - I will probably utilize it. alvechurchdata, you had a good question/comment - For now, we are going to go w/the idea that they may want to:
1) Create the file (mainly word docs) via the form in the DB
2) May want the file to be stored in the DB - Not 'outside'

...I think I like the flexibility of being able to use both allows me to offer more options to/for the end user. But I know that one of the things they mentioned (in question form) was whether it would 'retain' the file name in the DB. Since some of the cases (Records) may have more than one document associated w/it & eventually the user mentioned having the ability to send an email w/information about the case & that would include the attached file.

...Granted I have mentioned some future enhancements, but I have an idea of what the user wants/needs & it definitely get's me on the ball quicker when they mention how another DB offers these types of things - In part. It's like can we do this? Or, why can't we do this?

...Anyway, any future help would be greatly appreciated!!

Have A Nice Day,
---roystreet