Unbound versus Bound OLE Objects in forms

[JPeters]

Gurus;
I've got a form with a field that I'm embedding a document into. I have the field setup in the table as an OLE Object. When I insert the OLE Box in the form, do I use a bound or unbond box? When do I use one or the other? When I'm done inserting the box, I set its data source to the table's field with the OLE Object as its type. Am I doing this right? Thanks...

-Josh -Happen609
Wasting more of your valuable time...

 

[JPeters]

I'm mostly curious as to when it is better to use one over the other. I've heard that if I want to embed a library of MP3's or link them to my databaes, then I should create a field in a table thats an OLE Object. Then I place filenames/paths in the records... then in my forms I link the bound OLE object to that Field .... and it should work. I don't know though. All I'm trying to do right now is embed documents (word docs) that are changed constantly on the network drive. So I'm thinking I need an unbound text box that is setup to Link only and show the icon (in it's properties). Thanks again.

-Josh -Happen609
Wasting more of your valuable time...

 

[RickSpr]

I haven't actually used OLE object controls, so I can't be authoritative about this, but maybe I can cast some light on the bound/unbound aspect.

Simply put, a bound control gets its content from the form's record source, that is, the table or query that the form is based on. An unbound control doesn't get its content from anywhere; it's entirely up to you to push whatever data you want it to have into it.

So I would think that, if you're storing the OLE object in the database itself, you'd want to use a bound control. On the other hand, if you're only storing something like a file name, which you will use to access an object outside the database, I think you'd want an unbound control, and you'd have to write code to set the content of the control every time the form accesses a new record (the Current event).

Again, I'm kind of speculating here. If this doesn't settle the issue, maybe you should post again. (You might want to try another forum, too, such as the Access Forms or Microsoft Word forums). Rick Sprague