<p>I'm building an install using VS 2003. The install has an Excel workbook and two Access databases. I need to force the Access files to load regardless of the create/mod date of the existing databases on the user's computer. I currently use ORCA to force in a Version number on the two files, but would like to find a simpler, more elegant solution (hand editing a .msi file is not something I see as "best practice".</p>

<p>Is there a way to add a version number to the databases using Access that would then be used in the install?</p>

<p>Is there a better way for me to do this?</p>

Since it sounds like you don't have properly versioned resources, have you tried changing the REINSTALLMODE property?
IIRC, in the default value of 'omus', it's the 'o' flag that's only allowing you to install if you have an older version.  You may try changing this from 'o' to 'e'.  Be warned that this will overwrite missing, older AND equally versioned files.
Manually adding in versions was the wrong way to start, but this should ensure that you don't have to manually bump up the version numbers to get them to install.