Using formula in an OLE hyperlink to load file?

I'm using a Crystal Reports v10, it's a CR designer that's packaged into some ERP software, and I really need to be able to load a pdf file into it from a DB link. Searching on this topic seems really vague as no one seems to have a specific solution.

Anyways, I notice that if I insert an existing pdf file int the report as an OLE object, in the Format Editor under the Hyperlink tab there is radio button option for Hyperlink type: A file. With this selected, you can browse to choose a file from disk, but there's also a formula option.

Would it be possible to use this formula to load the pdf I need from a link stored in a DB field? I suppose if there are run time issues maybe I could also move the OLE object into a sub report and load it from a linked parameter. Either way, is it possible and how would I do this in the formula editor?

Thanks

Yes you can.  I have done something similar.  Just make sure the path is available where ever you run the report.

What about the how part? I have a DB field that will contain a string that has the file path, for example:

C:\Documents and Settings\Randy\My Documents\example.pdf

I feed the DB field into the formula directly in {}, and also tried surrounding it with double quotes, but either give no effect. Looking at the available functions I don't see any that would deal with loading a file. So I'm not sure what exactly I need in the formula to get it to load a file?

You have to create a formula for the string.  When I get a few minutes I will post an example.

Here is the formula I used.  In the database I have a value for the file name.  I do not recall why I am removing the last two characters.

'\Someserver\DATA\DATA\CRYS_REPS'+right({Command.Attachment},len({Command.Attachment})-2)

Okay, so the difference of what you're doing there what I was initially doing is using a mapped or shared network location? So I setup the folder I'm using as a shared network location, and to start just tried hardcoding it:

'\\myserver\data\form.pdf'

But there's still no result. So I'm wondering, how did you initially insert the OLE object? I inserted it using a dummy PDF to test the report (as I needed it to print at the back with no headers/footers), then am trying to use the Hyperlink Text formula to change it. Also I notice that in the Formula Workshop, the object is being treated as a picture?

I've been playing around with a few things to see if I missed anything, but I don't think so...

I was just using a text box as a hyperlink to a file. And put my formula in the formula box to the right of the File Name:

Unfortunately I do not have a way to upload a picture.