Create a command button to open an Excel spreadsheet from an Access form

by Mary Ann Richardson | Jan 10, 2006 3:27:00 PM

Tags: Microsoft Office, Excel spreadsheet, Mary Ann Richardson, Microsoft Access, command button, Access 2000, Microsoft Office Suite Access Tips Newsletter

Takeaway: It's common for users to go back to original documentation when they're working with records on a Microsoft Access form. See how easy it is to create a button on a form that uses a hyperlink to open a file in Excel.

Users will often need to go back to original documentation when working with records on a Microsoft Access form. For example, after bringing up a student's record in the student database, a registrar may need to check the student's attendance records, which the instructor keeps on an Excel spreadsheet. You can create a button on a form that will use a hyperlink to open the instructor's attendance file. Follow these steps:

1. Open the Student Information form in design mode.
2. Click the Command Button tool on the toolbox and drag to insert the command button control on the form. (In Access 2000, click the Cancel button to cancel the wizard.)
3. Right-click the command button and select Properties.
4. Under the Format tab, change the Caption to Attendance Record.
5. Click the Hyperlink Address text box, and then click the Build button.
6. Click the Existing file or Web Page button. (In Access 2000, click the File button.)
7. Navigate and select the Attendance Records Excel file.
8. Click OK. (In Access 2000, click OK twice.)

Now the registrar can view the original documentation of the student's attendance record by clicking the command button on the form.

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