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

ID: Q162855

The information in this article applies to:

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.


  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.


  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.


NOTE: The same result will occur if you manually type the Hyperlink, instead of browsing to and selecting the file.


REFERENCES

For more information about Hyperlinks, search the Help Index for "hyperlinks, addresses," and then "About hyperlink addresses in hyperlink fields and controls."

Additional query words: special characters filename pathname 


Keywords          : kberrmsg kbother TblDatyp 
Version           : 97
Platform          : WINDOWS 
Issue type        : kbprb

Last Reviewed: April 29, 1999