Can you edit the reference path to an image file

[TomDia]

In FM 6. I import a folder of images into a container field. I just import the reference. If I log on to the file using sharing from another computer, I do not see the image unless the reference has the host computer in the path such as //host/d/image.jpg. But when I import the folder from the host computer the referance path is only //d/image.jpg. If I import the images using the remote computer, it does add the host computer in the reference path and then the remote computer can see the image, but that's a pain.

Is there a way to edit the reference path once it has been imported, or better yet, write a formula for the reference so I can add //host/. Can it be done in FM 6? How about FM7 and if so, how?

Tom Diamant

[mlemmnapa]

The answer is no. But you could try mapping the drive to itself on the host and then import to establish a path otherwise you must import from a client to get the right path.

-Mark L

[TomDia]

Thanks, I tried mapping it to it's self and that didn't work, HOWEVER, I'm not so good at networking stuff so I might retry that the next time our networking consultant comes by. I though there might be a way to do it in FM7.

TOm

[Simon Bowler]

Hi

Can you explain what you mean by "mapping the drive to itself on the host"

Thanks

[SlimJim]

I am also learning about Container fields and references and have yet to find any convincing reason for using such an object over using a text field with the URL in it. For example, over my Windows only LAN I can open files of any type with an associated application on my computer, using a button linked to Open URL. The only thing that requires a little effort is getting the URL correct. You have to use the machine name and the share name. For example with the following in a text field:

satellitedata ©SLSLicence.jpg

Open URL will open the file (located on a shared drive on my laptop) in my main desktop using my associated application PhotoShop Elements.

Naturally a text field is open to editing so if you import from drive E: say with a share name of data on the machine Pavilion then you have to replace the E: by Paviliondata (E) and then Open URL will, I believe, work from each machine on the network including the one local to Drive E:.

I have no idea if this will work on a network with mixed Windows and Mac machines (I expect not)

[Matthew F]

SlimJim,

One advantage of using containers is with image files (e.g. .jpg). You can use a reference in a conatiner and the image will display directly in filemaker without having to open a separate file or application.

We also use containers to display photos from a library on a remote machines. However on the Mac OS X platform I haven't had the problem described here (i.e. the path name used accessing a file from a remote volume not working if accessing the file locally).

I agree, that if you just want a hyperlink to another file then a container is not necessary.

[SlimJim]

mfero

Thanks for the reply, as I said I was learning about containers and I was not aware of that behavious with images.