How to start MSBackup.exe from Microsoft Access

In Microsoft Access (and other Microsoft Office applications), you can use the Shell command in Visual Basic for Applications (VBA) code to start another application. Although you can start most applications in this manner, the Shell command does not support all applications. MSBackup.exe is one of these applications.

By using the Shell command, you can start an MS-DOS batch file that, in turn, calls MSBackup.exe.

NOTE: MSBackup.exe is only available on the Windows 98 and the Windows Millennium operating systems. You may need to install Microsoft Backup from your CD if MSBackup.exe is not located in your \Program Files\Accessories\Backup folder.

For additional information about Microsoft Backup, please see Windows 98 or Windows Millennium Help and review the following articles in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

To create the MS-DOS batch file that calls MSBackup.exe:

1. Start Notepad.
2. Type the following commands, but substitute your path and file information for where MSBackup.exe is located on your computer:

      CD \ 
      CD \"Program Files\Accessories\Backup"
      MSBackup.exe
   					

3. Save the text file in the root directory of drive C with the name LaunchMSBackup.bat.
4. Create a command button on a form, and then create the following code for the Click event of the command button:

   x = Shell("C:\LaunchMSBackup.bat")

5. Click the command button to run the .bat file, and then close the MS-DOS window that is used by the Shell command.