Edge Browser Control and MHTML files. Is it me? (1 Viewer)

[DaaAgent]

Edge Browser Control and MHTML files

I’m testing the Access Edge Browser Control with archived .mhtml (Web Page, Single File) files.

The files load via a local path, but the rendering looks incorrect (unformatted / partial content).

The same files display correctly when opened directly in Edge.

Has anyone confirmed whether the Edge Browser Control supports proper .mhtml rendering?

 

[tvanstiphout]

I ran a quick test. Looked terrible. External browser may be your best bet.

 

[June7]

Bing search returns:

The Access Edge Browser Control does not support MHTML files. It is designed to work with modern web pages and requires the use of the WebView2 runtime for displaying local files. The control is only available in Access 365 and does not support the MHTML file format.

It shows DevHut.net as source but I can't find that statement in the referenced page https://www.devhut.net/everything-y...-about-the-access-modern-web-browser-control/

Regardless, empirical evidence shows it is not supported.

 

[CJ_London]

Try using the original web browser control.

My experience of using the edge browser control for displaying local files has not been good - very slow and often doesn’t refresh. I’ve given up using it for local files - works fine for websites

 

[tvanstiphout]

Try using the original web browser control.

Only if you need it for just half a year.

Deprecation of IE Browser Control

Microsoft informed us that the old IE web browser control will be phased out in 2026, 3 years earlier than expected. Let us know if you have a problem with this!

www.accessforever.org

 

[CJ_London]

We’ll have to see - the link reminded me of the ‘127’ hack. But still has a limited range of file types that can be displayed.

In preparation I’m in the process of updating my apps to convert all files to pdf before viewing in the edge browser- justification to my clients being these are more secure documents for storage - most relate to expenditure justification.

 

[tvanstiphout]

more secure documents for storage

Agreed, especially if you digitally sign them.
The other justification is that it is a universal file format, likely to be supported decades into the future.

 

[isladogs]

We’ll have to see - the link reminded me of the ‘127’ hack. But still has a limited range of file types that can be displayed.

Had to think about this . . .
Presumably you are referring to adding the line 127.0.0.1 msaccess to the hosts file to speed up loading of local files in the Edge browser control?

 

[DaaAgent]

Ok so it's just not me. Another 1 for the list....

 

[CJ_London]

Presumably you are referring to adding the line 127.0.0.1 msaccess

Yes - works for pdf’s

 

[DaaAgent]

I went around the houses, used Google Antigravity to make a custom chrome extension to Screenshot webpages, Rectangular select or FullScreen or Full page or Savepage. Also, Python local server listing for the instruction to then store the selected Screenshot as a jpg / Savedpage as an .mhtml (Web Page, Single File) to a local folder and then write the file details to a table.

After working through all that, I thought easy bit add a form with the new Edge browser control point it at the table file/path .jpg or .mhtml
Found the host file trick .jpg loads quickly, then the .mhtml loads, but looks crap. Grrrrr

I remember last year seeing somewhere online the "Full" Edge browser running inside a form, Toolbars / Omnibox, the lot. But I can't find it now, maybe too much Merlot that evening.

Did anybody else see it?

 

[isladogs]

You may be interested in the forthcoming presentation for the Access Europe User Group by Aleksander Wojtasz on Wed 4 Feb

Creating an Advanced Data Grid Integrated with Access

In this session, Aleksander Wojtasz will demonstrate how to use the new Access Edge browser control to visualize data in a grid format.

isladogs.co.uk

Although its a month from now, Aleksander will be giving a brief outline of the session at the end of tomorrow's Access Europe meeting

Spot the Difference – new style MsgBox for Access

Neil Sargent will demonstrate how he has replicated the new style message boxes rolling out across Office apps and explain the journey to get there

isladogs.co.uk

 

[DaaAgent]

Thanks for the heads up Colin. Got my fingers and toes crossed

 

[isladogs]

You didn't imagine seeing something about opening the Edge browser directly in Access
Back in October, AWF member @MsAccessNL posted this thread:

Webbrowser in Form without Control !!!! Years to late....

I worked on this many years ago, my gut told me it should be possible, i was so close. Years later i solved the puzzle (bit to late..)Edit thread We could have worked with the modern webbrowsers inside access for many years already, without using any control. I can also open Excel, Word...

www.access-programmers.co.uk

However, he never actually posted any evidence of what he claimed to have done.
Meanwhile, something similar was posted on Daniel P's DevHut site but was taken down shorty after - read the above thread for more detail

So for now, all of that appears to be vapourware unless anyone has evidence to the contrary

Hopefully Aleksander's solution will achieve what you want!

 

[DaaAgent]

Thanks again Colin for the info. I am not losing my marbles then or overdosing on Merlot

 

[isladogs]

Thanks again Colin for the info. I am not losing my marbles then or overdosing on Merlot

That’s an entirely different matter.
Both of those are still perfectly possible

 

[DaaAgent]