Microsoft Access

Ok this is prett specific, but I'm sure its very simple if you have used the program even in the slightest amount. I don't use Access too much, but I've got to create a database. When you are viewing it in the Form view, my Primary key is a field called "Document Number". This is a unique number which my database runs of, however it is not sequential ... it starts at 100 up through 109, then 200 to 214, then 300 and so on - very random (just working with what I've got infront of me!!).

So I cant allow that number to be changed, but i would like people to be able to just type the number in there to search. Is this possible. My records go from 1 to 158 but people will have document numbers, so will have no idea what number record they want to look up. If they did they could just type it in the record num box at the bottom left. Can I make my document number a searchable field?

 

yes you can make it searchable. In form view, place a combo box on your form. Make sure you use the wizard as it will run you through the steps of making the items in the box searchable. It will ask you: "Look up values in a table or query" so you choose that one. The next step will be selecting what table and what fields to search on. Choose your table and the document # field and follow the remaining prompts and you should be all set. REMEMBER to go into the VBE and go to tools, compile to optimize your database. Any time you put a control like that on a form, the form module adds code so you have to compile the database.

 

If your using command buttons to go from form to form Remember when you.ve completed your database to go to tools, click start up
a box appears .In the display form/page drop down box find the form you want your database to start at when it is opened then untick all 6 tickboxes but not the use access special keys tickbox.
close it down then open back up then you use the command buttons to get around the forms/reports/queries (this gives it a more professional look and stops users fidling with things )
if you then need to change and amend the database at anytime then when you double click on the database to open it it keep your finger on the shift button at the same time and your back inside it.
hope this helps

 

That's good info simon, but completely irrelevant to the topic.