Linking pictures from SQLExpress to Filemaker 9

There are two things to do this;

duplication of disk space because all images are already available in database
least security of images because they are available out of database

Any way would you like to explain how to do this way I will try.

Thanks

true, the volume must accessible to users.
disk drive duplication: yes, at least to start with.

how I would do?
from yr existing solution, I would export each image as a file, and keep the path/filename in a SQL field.
from filemaker, I would change the file/path to a filemaker compatible one to have filemaker to display it, using the web viewer for instance, or import (link only) it in a container, but that is slow and handles less image formats.
my other approach would be to use a tool which can read binaries from SQL, Servoy for instance.

Thanks for your guidance, What tool is available which can read binaries from SQL?

Servoy, but this a complete IDE to generate java apps which interfaces with several SQL brands. there are probably others but I never looked for them

I don't have idea about this... sorry

Can you tell me the steps which you said in the first post than I can try that........... when I save externally how to identify which image belong to which because I have about 1200 users.

Thanks

Please see the attached. I am doing on LAN not on web. I have crated one extra table which can be used to import all pictures in. There is one ID filed and I can use that ID field to link with parent folder. So according to ID it will show the picture.

But when I am going to import pictures, File> Import records> folder

and match the fields, I don't have any option in the source to match the ID, if I match with file name it don't work because filename have extension.

Is any other way to import all pictures? or I am doing something wrong?

Thanks


ScreenShot029.JPG

I don't why the extension would be skept...
But first correct the import field match which is wonrg according to your screen capture: image and filename are inverted

That is fine, the image is only for reference. I will match the fields when I will import it but the question is how to match with ID?

Hi,

I have managed to sort this out, just want to share with you.

Exported all complete photo table from SQL to FM.

Rename all the filenames as I have in external images.

Imported the images as update record, matched the file name with image name.

Now it is working fine.

Thanks for all your inputs.

Regards

Z.Ahmad

but you had to rename the files manually I guess? hope not too many!

Well, my file names were same except extension. You can use find and replace, like; .bmp to .jpg.

and its work. I had about 1200 file names :)

or rename the files with a shell command. ok, good. how do you display images now? container field or web viewer?

I am using container field, Thanks for your all input and time. I believe, as you spent your value-able time to help me you deserve the points on this question.

But to do that I need to accept the solution than you get the points. Can you tell me how to do that? or you can create one same solution and I will award the points. Thanks

as the question originator, you should have an "accept" button somewhere at the bottom (there are 2 interfaces, I use the advanced one, and I know it is a bit different).

about the container, if you've left your images external (linked), try the web viewer as this displays all formats supported by IE, and that's more than filemaker, for instance gif's will be animated, etc... can also display flash files,...