FTP is what is known as file transfer protocol, and as such is not a
networking protocol, nor is a system that lets you open, read, and then
write to data files.
in other words, FTP allows you to download a file, but it has no facilities
or provisions for reading data, or even writing data back to the file.
in some cases word, or even excelled can actually deal with this type of
environment because the whole filed is read into memory that modified, then
write the whole file back.
in the case of access, because it is a high performance database system, it
does not read a whole table into memory, but needs the ability to read and
write only bits and pieces of the actual file.
Because of this requirement, you have to use 100% compatible windows
networking system to read that file.
In theory, it is possible to extend windows networking, or use local network
neighborhood to actually function over the Internet, when you do this is
typically preferred to as a virtual private network .
I the explain in the following article as to why this is not a practical
approach for a ms access:
http://www.members.shaw.ca/AlbertKallal//Wan/Wans.html
I do however explain how you can distribute, or use MS access remotely over
the Internet in the above article.
--
Albert D. Kallal (Access MVP)
Edmonton, Alberta Canada
pl*****************@msn.com 
