Attachments

[DC CS]

Hi all,
Not sure where to post this question, but here it is:

What is the best way to handle attachments in Access?



1. If I add the attachments into the table, it will increase the size of the DB very quickly (limit of 2GB per DB).
2. If I only save the path of where the file is located on the server in the table, and the user wants to open that specific file, how do I accomplish this? (Saving the attachment in the table, will automatically use the program it was created with...)

Most files that will be saved, are PDF files, but there might be other formats as well.

Thanks
DC

[isladogs]

Suggest you always use method 2:
Save the file path then open it using Application.FollowHyperlink or other suitable code

[Welshgasman]

@RanMan256 constantly posts code on here that will open any file with the associated program.
Have a search for that.

[isladogs]

@RanMan256 constantly posts code on here that will open any file with the associated program.
Have a search for that.

I also have my own similar code.
However, no need to use such file handling function. FollowHyperlink does exactly the same thing and its built-in

[Amicron]

I agree with Colin 100%. The best way to handle attachments in Access is to NOT use them.

Here's a video that explains how to use FollowHyperlink:

Follow Hyperlink: https://599cd.com/FollowHyperlink

[June7]

Also http://allenbrowne.com/func-GoHyperlink.html

[Jimruns919]

I was wondering this myself. I know how to use the followhyperlink option, but what I am curious about is that I am creating a Purchase Order system for my job.

What is being asked is about attaching the PDF invoices we receive with the PO and I want to do that with the followhyperlink. Is there anyway for this to be programmed so the user just attaches the file and then the programming puts it into a designated folder and then creates the hyperlink for the accounting dept to click on to view it?

[June7]

What do you mean by "user just attaches the file"? Can open File System Object file picker dialog for user to select file then code can move/copy file and save file name to field. This is a common topic.