locating a database file

I have a windows program written using VS 6.0. The program uses a vb front
end to collect/edit data and to print forms. The data is stored in an Access
database which is installed by default in the C:\Program Files\***242
directory. Our program works well on Vista, with one exception: a feature of
our program is the ability to create backups of the most current data added
to the database. When the backup is created the files are placed in the
C:\Program Files\***242 directory, inside a folder that is named with the
current date. From within our program I can browse to the program files
directory. I know that the backup folders are being created because I can see
them. However, when I browse to the same folder using using My Computer or
Explorer I cannot see the backup folders; in fact all I can see are the
default files/folders that were installed when the program was installed. The
database in the program files directory does not contain any data but if I
access the database from the program, the data is there. I am assuming that
the file which contains the database & backup folders is hidden. I have
looked in C:\Program Data\***242 and it's not there. I have also changed the
file options to show all hidden & system files and I have tried using the
search feature to locate the folder. I need to be able to find these
files/folders and copy them to removable media. Can you offer any help or
suggestions on how to do accomplish this? Thanks,

"scook" <> wrote in message
news:FB49847A-8E67-4B8A-A43C-...
>I have a windows program written using VS 6.0. The program uses a vb front
> end to collect/edit data and to print forms. The data is stored in an
> Access
> database which is installed by default in the C:\Program Files\***242
> directory. Our program works well on Vista, with one exception: a feature
> of
> our program is the ability to create backups of the most current data
> added
> to the database. When the backup is created the files are placed in the
> C:\Program Files\***242 directory, inside a folder that is named with the
> current date. From within our program I can browse to the program files
> directory. I know that the backup folders are being created because I can
> see
> them. However, when I browse to the same folder using using My Computer or
> Explorer I cannot see the backup folders; in fact all I can see are the
> default files/folders that were installed when the program was installed.
> The
> database in the program files directory does not contain any data but if I
> access the database from the program, the data is there. I am assuming
> that
> the file which contains the database & backup folders is hidden. I have
> looked in C:\Program Data\***242 and it's not there. I have also changed
> the
> file options to show all hidden & system files and I have tried using the
> search feature to locate the folder. I need to be able to find these
> files/folders and copy them to removable media. Can you offer any help or
> suggestions on how to do accomplish this? Thanks,

You have discovered the virtual file store. When a user tries to write to a
system file area the write is redirected to a virtual file store in the
user's folders. The program needs to be reprogrammed not to write to system
areas. Create a folder for the data and the backup then set the appropriate
permissions for that folder.

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/927387

http://msdn2.microsoft.com/en-us/library/aa905330.aspx

--
Kerry Brown
Microsoft MVP - Shell/User
http://www.vistahelp.ca/phpBB2/