.lnk doesn't open, no errors

Question

I have a shortcut (.LNK) on my desktop to a MS Access database out on a network drive. When I double click that shortcut I get an hour glass for about 10 seconds and then nothing. No errors, no access opening, nothing happens.

It appears as if there's not even an MSAccess process running in the background.

The file successfully opens from:

1. The Open dialog in Access
2. The commandline "C:\path\to\MSACCESS.EXE C:\path\to\shortcut.lnk"
3. The commandline "C:\path\to\MSACCESS.EXE C:\path\to\whatTheShortcutPointsTo.mdb"

The file silently fails to open from:

1. Double clicking the shortcut.lnk
2. Double clicking the mdb file that shortcut.lnk targets

At first I thought it had to do with how the link handler operated but the fact that it does the same exact thing when I try to open the mdb directly in explorer makes me think it's an issue with explorer.

I've tried restoring, deleting, and recreating the association with the extension. I've tried running MSACCESS.EXE /regserver. I've run out of things to throw at it.

In case this is specific to MS Access 2007; I'm trying to use 2007 :)

Answer 1

It seems like you dont have the mdb file set to open with MS Access. Try the following:

Since you didnt say which version of windows you are using...

XP: shift right click the actual file and click "open with" find Access in the dialog that comes up and make sure you have "always use this application..." checkbox checked.

Win7 or Vista: right clicking on the file and it should give you the "open with" option I think. Follow the steps for XP and see what happens.