Member Avatar for mrhard2004

Hi!

I am trying to use MS access to develope a database which can store "Multiple choice questions and options " as input. And out put shold be taken randomly from the database and it should prepare a word file.

But I am a physics lecturer. I have a less knowledge over the data fields of Acess. Which data field will allow me to store Equations and Small BMP pictures as input?

Please help me at <snipped>

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Short answer: treat equations and small pictures as files and keep only references in the table — or, if you must embed, use the Access Attachment type (requires .accdb). That gives a clean, maintainable quiz store (questions as text with image placeholders) and keeps your database from ballooning as you add graphics. (learn.microsoft.com)

Avoid relying on legacy OLE embedding for JPG/GIF images: OLE inserts display wrappers/thumbnails and often inflates the file, makes exports fragile, and depends on external OLE servers. That behaviour is the main reason Access OLE storage commonly causes rapid database growth. If a poster here favors embedding, bear that trade‑off in mind. (support.microsoft.com)

Practical workflow (applies to quiz output to Word):

  • Store the question body in a Long Text field with lightweight placeholders like [[IMG:Q123_1.png]].
  • Keep each equation or picture as a separate file in a versioned images folder (use compact formats: PNG for raster, EMF/WMF for scalable vector when you need crisp printing). Save only the filename or relative path in the record.
  • When building the Word file programmatically, replace placeholders and insert the image file at that location (use Word Automation or the Open XML SDK to insert pictures into a .docx). This preserves layout and keeps the Access front‑end small. (learn.microsoft.com)

Quick operational tips: prefer .accdb if you want built‑in attachments; if you remain on .mdb then file‑paths + an unbound Image control is the way to go. Keep an eye on the 2GB Access file limit and run Compact & Repair on a schedule if you edit lots of records or images. For large or growing question banks, store media on a shared file server or object storage and keep only links in the database for best scalability. (support.microsoft.com)

Note: and pointed to the two main families of approaches (embedded vs referenced). The guidance above explains the tradeoffs and gives a simple, reliable pattern for exporting to Word while keeping your Access file healthy.

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Member Avatar for MidiMagic

Store pictures in an OLE type field.

Do you want to display the formula, or execute it?

Member Avatar for ROBBOHORT

Hi - I usually don't store images in the database. I find the most effective solution is to store location references in Access, then use ShellExecute in my VB project to boot a slected file (using its Windows file association), or if using my own picture box, or IE, then boot that and load the specific file based on the image location.

I have developed sftware that builds quizzes using random questions from a store of questions. If you want more information about this, just contact me.

Regards

Member Avatar for mrhard2004

Yes Robohort...
I am trying to develope the software to develope quiz only. It should contain a question in which some times questions along which equations should come inline with the text.
And equation OR picture is just to be displayed. It need not to be solved.


Regards

Member Avatar for mrhard2004

Store pictures in an OLE type field.

Do you want to display the formula, or execute it?

Thanks for the replay.
I want it to be displayed only. It is not necessary to solve it.

Regards

Member Avatar for MidiMagic

Use the OLE type to display an image. You can put a one pixel image in for a nonimage question if the process needs an image. Create an image of the equation using Word and Ctrl-PrintScreen. Paste the clipboard into MS paint (in the Accessories folder in Programs).

If you have Access, you have Word. But you might have to install the equation extension, if it wasn't installed when you installed Word. It's on your Office disks.

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