How to ensure network drives are connected for an application?

Question

I have a desktop Windows application that is installed in small office environments.

The application uses an .MDB database file as its database which is

Answer 1

You asked, "Would a solution be to use \machine_name\share instead of drive letters?"

I think, yes, it could be. A UNC path avoids 2 problems:

1. share not connected to a drive letter
2. share is connected, but mapped to a different drive letter than you expect

The unknown is whether anything in your application makes a UNC path for the MDB either a complication or a flat out deal-breaker.