ACC97: Cannot Hyperlink to Documents with "#" in the Name

• Microsoft Access 97

SYMPTOMS

Novice: Requires knowledge of the user interface on single-user computers.

If you include the number sign (#) character in a hyperlink file name, you may receive the following error message:

  Unable to open <filename>. Cannot open the specified file.

  -OR-

  The Windows Explorer will open the folder where the file is located.

CAUSE

Because hyperlinks in Microsoft Access are stored as modified Memo fields with the number sign (#) character as a delimiter, it is essentially a reserved character for hyperlinks.

RESOLUTION

Do not use the number sign (#) character in hyperlink file names.

MORE INFORMATION

Steps to Reproduce Behavior

Hyperlink on a Form

1. Save a text file on the Desktop with the name "#test.txt" (without the quotation marks).

2. In Microsoft Access, create a form not based on any table or query in Design view.

3. Insert a hyperlink.

4. In the Link To file or URL box, locate and select the #test.txt file on the Desktop. Click OK twice.

5. Change the form to Form view.

6. Click the hyperlink. Note that you receive the following error message:

         Unable to open test.txt. Cannot open the specified file.
   

   Note that the number sign (#) is missing from the file name, and that the file does not open.

Hyperlink in a Table

1. Save a text file on the Desktop with the name "#test.txt" (without the quotation marks).

2. Create a table with a field named Hlink with a Hyperlink data type. Save the table as Table1.

3. Open the Table1 table in Datasheet view. In the Hlink field, insert a hyperlink.

4. In the Link To file or URL box, locate and select the #test.txt file on the Desktop. Click OK twice.

5. Click the hyperlink. Note that Windows Explorer brings up the folder where the file is located, but does not open it.

REFERENCES