OLE Object Issues

[jmfrost]

I'm trying to insert pictures into records, but when I create a bound OLE
object and then go to Insert > Object > Create from File, it posts the icon
of the object and not the picture. If I try to go Insert > Object > Create
New and then select an application, I get the message "A problem occurred
while application was communicating with the OLE server or ActiveX Control.
Close the OLE server and restart it outside of the application. Then try the
original operation again."

I'll admit I'm new at this, but I'm not operating off any server...this is
my home computer. I'm not familiar with ActiveX Control, and the Access Bible
(book) I purchased doesn't address this issue. Any help would be more than
appreciated!!!

 

[MAT4Ron]

This is something that has me really upset at Microsoft about. Using Access
2000 my photos worked fine just drag and drop. When I upgraded to 2003 all
my existing photos still work but new photos just show file name and white
background.
I found a fix the other day but went back and could not find it again. If I
remember correctly it's just a matter of loading Microsoft Photo Editor from
the original CD. This is no good for me because I run my Work Order DB on a
corporate type system and I don’t have the access to load any programs.
I sure hope Microsoft fixes this because Photos are a major eliment in my
DB. Otherwise I may revert back to 2000.

 

[Jennifer Cali]

Dumb question - how do I know if I have Photo Editor? Is it a Microsoft
program? If so, I checked and all I have is MS Picture Manager - not the same
thing. Would I need to go out and purchase the program?

 

[Tom Wickerath]

Hi Jennifer (and Ron)

Here are some links that you might want to check out:

Images that are stored in OLE object fields do not appear correctly
http://support.microsoft.com/?id=832508

http://www.lebans.com/loadjpeggif.htm
http://www.lebans.com/image_faq.htm


Tom

http://www.access.qbuilt.com/html/expert_contributors.html
http://www.access.qbuilt.com/html/search.html
__________________________________________

:

I'm trying to insert pictures into records, but when I create a bound OLE
object and then go to Insert > Object > Create from File, it posts the icon
of the object and not the picture. If I try to go Insert > Object > Create
New and then select an application, I get the message "A problem occurred
while application was communicating with the OLE server or ActiveX Control.
Close the OLE server and restart it outside of the application. Then try the
original operation again."

I'll admit I'm new at this, but I'm not operating off any server...this is
my home computer. I'm not familiar with ActiveX Control, and the Access Bible
(book) I purchased doesn't address this issue. Any help would be more than
appreciated!!!

 

[Jennifer Cali]

Hi Tom,
So then there IS an option for me to do this with? My issue is I'm also
providing the database to some family members (it's all our family contacts)
and want the family member's picture included. Are there concerns of it being
too large? I've been reading a few posts where it says that loading pictures
- as opposed to links to the pictures - can cause bloating issues. Thoughts?

 

[Tom Wickerath]

Hi Jennifer,

Loading images using OLE (Object Linking and Embedding) leads to excessive
database bloat in Access 2003 and all earlier versions. The Access
development team has indicated that this problem has finally been addressed
in the next release of Access, which is currently in beta. See the special
note that I recently added to this article:
http://www.access.qbuilt.com/html/subtotals

The reason for the bloat is that when you use OLE embedding technology,
which is what you are using by default when using the graphical user
interface, Access creates a bitmap for each image that it stores internally.
If you really want to store images within the .mdb file, then you either have
to live with the bloat, or you can look into purchasing an ActiveX control
from Ammara (http://www.ammara.com/). I'm told by an Access MVP that this
control does a good job. I don't know if there are any competitors who offer
similar products.

The best bet is to just store the images external to the database.

Tom

http://www.access.qbuilt.com/html/expert_contributors.html
http://www.access.qbuilt.com/html/search.html
__________________________________________

:

Hi Tom,
So then there IS an option for me to do this with? My issue is I'm also
providing the database to some family members (it's all our family contacts)
and want the family member's picture included. Are there concerns of it being
too large? I've been reading a few posts where it says that loading pictures
- as opposed to links to the pictures - can cause bloating issues. Thoughts?

 

[MAT4Ron]

Jennifer: Another option that works graat is to reduce the size of the
photo. I find (Handheld PC 240x320 is a good size for the form and reduses
the file to about 50KB.