Hello All,

There are volumns of words about why you should not attach images in a database in regard to "Bloating and overall limitations". I do not have an issue with the 2GB limitation for my particular application and I would think that many other non-commercial users of Access 2007 would either. Example: To test my application, I loaded 1650 individual (640x480 JPG's) at an average of 30KB each, for a total of 61MB, as Attachments to some 450 Records. The following is an abbreviated posting to several Forum's with little or no response to the following question.

Discussion: In Access 2007 when using the Attachment field you can list one or more (image/icon/text/) files. I have an Attachment field on one of my data entry Forms that primarily displays a JPG image. Under Properties I have listed a path to a Default Picture (it works great). Using the Manage Attachments dialog box I can add one or more files of my choice to any given record. Once a file is added it overrides the Default Picture (as expected). If I list multiple files I can view them with the default Mini Toolbar. Whichever JPG I select will be displayed in the Attachment field (rendered image or icon) and will remain displayed as I work in other fields on the form.

Problem: However, when I move to another record or close the Form, the “displayed” JPG will not be saved in this position as the default file. When revisiting the record, the underlying binary table will revert back and display the original JPG (the normal order of ascending file structure; 1.jpg, 1a.jpg, 1b.jpg). Adding or deleting files makes no difference as the binary coding sorts to the lowest collating sequence name and displays that file(image). The Manage Attachments dialog box does not provide the user an option of selecting a specific file, if more than one is available.

Dilemma: I have a report that is generated from this form that provides selective fields of data and “hopefully” a specific image file from multiple choices associated with a record. I really don’t want to manipulate file structure or create a separate table to store files or use a List/Combo Box to achieve my desired goal.

Any assistance would be greatly appreciated. Thank you for time.