Macro Providing Unexpected Function...

[Peter425]

While I know macros are often frowned upon, I have a database form linked to a macro through a command. When clicked, the macro runs a set query and exports the result via e-mail to an established e-mail address list.

It's always worked fine until today. Now, when I run the query, something different happens: instead of running the macro, Access opens up my web browser! When I close the webpage, the macro continues and asks me to perform the steps required by the second macro. In short, the first step in the macro has been changed and the second step continues. I drilled down to the associated query which runs fine so it appears to be associated with the macro, but I can see no changes that would account for this behavior.

My first though was a virus so I ran a scan, found a virus called Explict Byte or some such name. I deleted the four related files and thought I had the problem resolved since it appeared to run properly. However, when I closed Access and came back in again, the same behavior was observed.

Anybody have any ideas?

Thanks,
Peter

 

[SteveR77]

Peter,

Try to repair and compact the database if you have not done so already.

Do this after running another scan of the system.

HTH,

Steve

 

[Peter425]

I've compacted and repaired with no luck. I should note that I have 5 versions of this database, one for each of 5 users. All are exhibiting this problem, but the source database on my laptop appears to be running properly which makes me think virus. I'm doing a complete system scan know with updated virus definitions and we'll see what happens.

Is there some location in the macro design view where I should be looking for an inadvertent addition or edit?

Thanks,
Peter

 

[Peter425]

The plot thickens... A version of the described database on my laptop works with no problem. When I pull it into my desktop, clicking the command button opens the browser which is the problem. When I copy it (and scan it for a virus) and move it back to my laptop it works as expected. This suggests something on my desk top machine but it doesn't appear to have a virus infection. Are there some types of settings I should be looking at?

Any help would be appreciated.

Peter

 

[tracy1234]

Peter - this is a wild guess. Is it possible that something in the macro is trying to open a file with an extension that is associated with your browser?

You can check this via your folder options/file types tab.

Have you tried to create another macro with the same queries etc?

-Tracy

 

[Peter425]

Tracy,

Thanks for the try... I've used up my own wild guesses so I'm definitely looking for others.

I tried writing a new macro in a new database and the same problem pops up. The file extentions also look to be okay.

Interestingly, if I have Netscape open already, it doesn't pull it up: it proceeds to run in what looks like a normal manner. Until I check my e-mail and realize the file was never sent out..

Peter

 

[xbigblue]

Peter,

Perhaps another wild guess - PC Magazine's March 2, 2004 edition has an article on Spyware starting on p.79 that sounds just enough like what is happening to you that you might take a look. The article describes a PC infected with CoolWebSearch, a very nasty late-breaking Trojan Horse app. PC Magazine also has a web site,

http://www.pcmag.com,

I don't know if they included any info on their site or not.
Hope you can solve your problem - sounds exasperating.

Regards,
Harry(xbigblue)