Bizarre! Database still works when in recycle bin!

We have an old application, written in VB 3 that uses MS Access 2 databases. Its a booking system, with a graphical interface, to resemble a gant chart style calendar.

I have just gone through all the code and changed every routine to open and close the databases dynamically. Previously, the database was opened, and it remained open, while other instances were opened at the same time.

All is working fine, and as a test to make sure the connections were closed I tried to rename the database while using the software.

I was allowed to rename the database, as expected, but when I tried to use the application - I was suprised that I received no error message, and I was able to use the application with no problems what-so-ever!

I tried renaming the file to be something completely different, lost the MDB extention, and even tried different extentions.

I then renamed the file back to its original name, and checked for my changes in Access. They were there!!

I then tried deleting the file while the app was running, and was even more surprised to find the same results. On restoration from the recycle bin - all changes were present.

Has anyone encountered anything like this before? I am developing on a New WinXP Pro Sony Vaio. As a test bed, I am "Subst"ing an M: drive to a directory on my C: drive (which may have something to do with it).

I am completely amazed that this is possible, and I know the MS response will be to re-write the app in VB6 / .Net etc, but its not commercially viable.

This "feature" is not really a problem for us, but its still very bizarre!

I would appreciate any feedback!

Sam