PRJ4: OLE Links Always Use UNC Names

Q120025

The information in this article applies to:

SYMPTOMS

Even when Store Net Names = No, OLE links still store Universal Naming Convention (UNC) paths and can therefore fail across certain networks. Networks that may have difficulties with the UNC naming convention include some versions of Novell client software, Banyan Vines networks and DEC Pathworks networks.


WORKAROUND

The workaround is to use DDE links instead of OLE links whenever pasting to a file across the network. To adjust the menu so that DDE links are allowed, perform the following steps:

  1. From the Tools menu select Customize and click on Menu Bars.


  2. Select the Standard menu bar and click on the Edit button.


  3. Select the row below Paste Special and click on the Insert Row button.


  4. In the Menu Item column, place any descriptive text such as "DDE Paste."


  5. In the Command/macro column place DDEPasteLink.


  6. Click on OK.


  7. Click on the Apply button on the Customize Menu Bar dialog box.


Use the DDE Paste option instead of Paste Special when forming links between files on different workstations on the network. The DDE links will not use UNC names and therefore be compatible with the networks mentioned above.


MORE INFORMATION

Setting "Store Net Names=No" in the WINPROJ4.INI file allows the Most Recently Used File list, subprojects, file consolidation and other menu options to correctly work with files across a network by using the drive letter format in the paths instead of the UNC names. However, OLE links still store UNC paths, even when Store Net Names is set to No.

Additional query words:

Keywords : kbole
Issue type : kbbug
Technology :


Last Reviewed: November 3, 2000
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