Tracking open files

[roccogrand]

I often leave files open for days and when I have 20-70 open at the same time
I run out resources and one invariably locks up, especially a PowerPoint 2007
file.

Is there a way that I can have one of my Access databases log all open files
using a form's click event so that I can reopen them when the system crashes?
This database is always running--can't work without it and so it is a
logical place to store a listing of all my open files.

Thanks for suggesting a place where I can start developing the code to do
this.

In addition to PPTX and DOCX, I usually keep a large number of PDFs open.
This is natural for me--I just hate closing work fles and losing my place as
I develop reports or PowerPoint presentations.

David

 

[Jack Leach]

The only way I can think to do this would be through some heavy API work
running on a loop to periodically check the existence of open files. I'm not
positive this is possible, but it may be.

The problem, though, is that this type of API looping is going to eat up a
considerable amount of resources all on it's own, which will only further
your problem. And, unless you run this loop at very tight intervals (and not
even then) can you be positive that the app could catch all of the open
files, all of the time. The problem with running a very tight loop interval
is that it will take that much more resources.

Either way, it's a catch 22 for you. There's no way to automatically add a
file to the list when it's open, unless you want to manually add the file
every time you open one.

I suggest either getting a faster machine, or better yet, come up with some
other personal system for orginizing your work habits. The "fix" that you
have in mind will only make matters worse.

hth
--
Jack Leach
www.tristatemachine.com

"I haven''t failed, I''ve found ten thousand ways that don''t work."
-Thomas Edison (1847-1931)