How to keep the focus on a .pdf document that is opened by clicking on a hyperlink in a text field?

Question

Do you know how to keep the focus on a .pdf document that is opened by clicking on a hyperlink in a text field?

I have several hyperlinks to different .pdf documents.

Some open and keep focus when clicked.

Others open, but the focus returns to the Access database.

Thank you

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Nath

Answer 1

After opening the file, you can use code like: http://www.everythingaccess.com/tutorials.asp?ID=Bring-an-external-application-window-to-the-foreground to set the focus on the document. 

My users used to experience similar behavior that you describe, some users the files opened and remained in focus and others not, for no reason that I could ever figure out. I now use a slightly modified version of the above code in almost all my database when launching external documents.  The one thing I will add is I never use hyperlinks, they cause headaches to work with.  I simply store everything as plain text and launch them using Shell command, or the likes.

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Daniel Pineault, 2010-2016 Microsoft MVP
Professional Support: http://www.cardaconsultants.com
MS Access Tips and Code Samples: http://www.devhut.net

Answer 2

Hi NaPazz,

 you can also try to use AppActivate or explorer.exe Folders

The AppActivate statement changes the focus to the named application or window but does not affect whether it is maximized or minimized. Focus moves from the activated application window when the user takes some action to change the focus or close the window. Use the Shell function to start an application and set the window style.

example:

Public vPID As Variant
Public Sub OpenApplication()
    'Launch application if not already open
    If vPID = 0 Then 'Application not already open
101:
        vPID = Shell("C:\Windows\system32\notepad.exe", vbNormalFocus)
    Else 'Application already open so reactivate
        On Error GoTo 101
        AppActivate (vPID)
    End If
End Sub

Reference:

AppActivate Statement

explorer.exe Folders:

Public Sub OpenExplorer()
    'Launch folder if not already open
    Dim strDirectory As String
    Dim pID As Variant, sh As Variant
    strDirectory = "C:\Users\Ryan\Documents"
    On Error GoTo 102:
    Set sh = CreateObject("shell.application")
    For Each w In sh.Windows
        If w.document.folder.self.Path = strDirectory Then 'if already open, activate it
            w.Visible = False
            w.Visible = True
            Exit Sub
        End If
    Next
    'if you get here, the folder isn't open so open it
    pID = Shell("explorer.exe " & strDirectory, vbNormalFocus)
102:
End Sub

Reference:

explorer.exe Folders

Regards

Deepak

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