Is it possible to name a database and still treat it as a document?

[topher23]

I'm developing a modular system in which each major function set is held in a different Access front end. I'd like to have all of the open front ends stack under one Windows start bar icon in order to maintain that relationship visibly and keep the start bar clean. Is it possible to name the databases in such a way that they have different names, but still stack under one icon? I've tried the most obvious solution (just insert dashes) but that doesn't do anything.


Background: when you open an Access database, Access treats it as a "document," insomuch as multiple databases all stack under the same start bar icon as "Microsoft Access - [DB Filename]". However, after naming a database, it becomes stand-alone. At this point, the only way I've found so far to make databases stack is to give them all exactly the same name.

[zmbd]

The OS is going to have the control over this...
So the short of it is that it maybe possible; however, it's a global user setting that may well torque the end use if you start messing with API calls.

BTW: In Win7(64)En - all of my access db open under one icon on the toolbar; thus, you may want to check your settings:

This is for vista... Win7 and Win8 (when you actually get to the desktop) are the same:

Group similar buttons on the taskbar

1.Open Taskbar and Start Menu Properties by clicking the Start button , clicking Control Panel, clicking Appearance and Personalization , and then clicking Taskbar and Start Menu.

2.Select the Group similar taskbar buttons check box so that it is checked. (To turn off grouping, clear the Group similar taskbar buttons check box.)

WinXP is a little different; however, even it will stack based on program. To group taskbar buttons by program

[topher23]

I tried out those Vista instructions - Win 7 and 8 actually don't have the same option, but they do have a combo box that has similar wording in it. Just to be certain, I downloaded 7+ Taskbar Tweaker and looked at the settings there, which shows "Group on Application ID" selected. I'm guessing that when I change the Current Database Name in Options, Access no longer claims it so the OS gives it its own Application ID. So... it looks like the only option may be to give each db the same name, which is something that I already know works.

[zmbd]

I didn't count small differences in vernacular to be important; however, for those of us unfortunate enough to have to deal with Windows 8

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How to use the taskbar (Win8.1 + RT8.1)

2.On the Taskbar tab, select one of the options from the Taskbar buttons list:

•Always combine, hide labels

This is the default setting. Each app appears as a single, unlabeled button, even when multiple windows for that app are open.

•Combine when taskbar is full

This setting shows each window as an individual, labeled button. When the taskbar becomes crowded, apps with multiple open windows collapse into a single app button. Tap or click the button to see a list of the windows that are open.

•Never combine

This setting shows each window as an individual, labeled button, and never combines them, no matter how many windows are open. As more apps and windows open, buttons get smaller, and eventually the buttons will scroll.

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