IMEX DataTask Specifications and Extended File Properties with Colin Riddington

Microsoft Access developers often struggle with managing import/export specifications and accessing advanced file metadata in their applications.

In this Access Europe user group presentation, Colin Riddington demonstrates two updated utilities that address these common developer challenges. The first helps manage both old-style and modern XML-based import/export specifications, while the second provides comprehensive access to Windows extended file properties – going well beyond what's visible in File Explorer.

If you've ever wished for better tools to manage Access data tasks or needed to programmatically access file metadata, this presentation offers practical solutions you can implement in your own applications.

IMEX DataTask Specifications

Background

• Original system table method introduced in Access 2003
• New XML-based method added in Access 2007
• Most developers still use old method due to familiarity
• New method supports broader range of file types but lacks easy customization

Old vs New Method Comparison

• Old method (Pre-2007):
  • Limited to text files
  • Stored in system tables (MSysIMEX)
  • Includes advanced customization options
  • More developer-friendly
• New method (2007+):
  • Supports Excel, XML, HTML, and more
  • Stored as XML within application
  • Entirely wizard-driven
  • Limited editing capabilities

Colin's IMEX Utility Features

• View and edit XML-based specifications
• Modify import/export paths
• Rename saved tasks
• Create Outlook reminders
• Generate detailed reports
• Access both old and new style specifications
• Support for system table modifications

Extended File Properties

Overview

• Provides access to Windows file metadata
• Goes beyond standard File Explorer properties
• Supports multiple file types (photos, music, documents)
• Language/locale aware implementation

Key Features

• Batch processing of multiple files
• Support for nested folder structures
• Excel export capabilities
• Detailed property reporting
• Language-specific property names

Technical Implementation

• Uses Microsoft Shell Controls and Automation
• Handles 321 possible extended properties
• Supports cleanup of problematic characters
• Includes multilingual support
• Error handling for malformed file names

Conclusion

Both utilities demonstrate practical solutions to common Access development challenges. The IMEX DataTask manager brings much-needed functionality to the modern XML-based specification system, while the Extended File Properties tool provides a robust way to access and manage file metadata programmatically.

Recording

The full recording is available on YouTube:

Join Live!

Want to get even more out of these presentations? Join the live Access User Group events! The next upcoming events are listed on the AUG Event Calendar.

Attending live gives you the opportunity to:

• Interact directly with presenters during Q&A sessions
• Network with other Access developers
• Share your own experiences and challenges
• Get immediate answers to your specific questions
• Participate in group discussions

With multiple user groups across different time zones (and languages!), you're sure to find a meeting time that works for your schedule.

Acknowledgements

• Base cover image generated by FLUX-schnell
• Initial draft generated by Claude-3.5-Sonnet