opening other access databases and excel

[cyberpac9]

we have a database (*.adp frontend to SQL Server 2K) where we keep our records, however we want to be able to just view other info we might use to make decisions. this info is kept in different files - access *.mdb and excel *.xls files. here is the code i have to open these files (stored on our networked drive):

Private Sub cmdOHS_Click()
On Error GoTo Err_cmdOHS_Click

    Dim stAppName As String

    stAppName = "J:\DATA\Records\attend.mdb"
    Call Shell(stAppName, 1)

Exit_cmdOHS_Click:
    Exit Sub

Err_cmdOHS_Click:
    MsgBox Err.Description
    Resume Exit_cmdOHS_Click
    
End Sub

and

Private Sub cmdEM_Click()
On Error GoTo Err_cmdEM_Click

    Dim stAppName As String

    stAppName = "J:\DATA\Records\List.xls"
    Call Shell(stAppName, 1)

Exit_cmdEM_Click:
    Exit Sub

Err_cmdEM_Click:
    MsgBox Err.Description
    Resume Exit_cmdEM_Click
    
End Sub

however, i get this error:
"Invalid procedure call or argument."

how do i open the two files from within my *.adp file?