Versions of Access and ideas for user input

I have two questions about Access.
If I am creating tables, queries, input forms, reports and other database elements in Access 2000, can I import them into Access 2003, where some other tables will be created in that version?

Second question is about input forms. Bear in mind that I have no programming skills and very little knowledge of databases in general, let alone Access. Also, this database is for another novice user and so has to be quick but simple to use
I want to create and input form that will allow to either inputting new customer details but if the customer exists, the fields will be automatically filled/printed. I thought some sort of search boxes, like one for surname and one for first name with “search” button - or bringing a list of all surnames and the user clicks the right name.

The second part of the form would be basically searching a product to hire from a relatively small database. I have thought of searching the product by having buttons for each criteria, say a car or a van, (preferred) manufacturer and model. For each vehicle there must be a way of finding existing hire dates (bookings are treated the same as hire): a calendar with hired dates being greyed out would be nice, even better if one could just click the new hire dates into it and it would all go into database. Alternatively, a new hire dates could be entered by clicking relevant dates from drop down boxes (one for day, another one for month etc and the same for end dates) – would that be any easier?

I’ve been given two weeks to come up with a complete database, including testing, which is pretty lame when you are novice like me. But some people don’t quite understand how much work is involved, especially those who are used to whip up flat databases without any validation rules etc..

Anyone out there to tell me if I am being overambitious with the user input or if there is easier way inputting data and finding relevant information that is still simple to use by a novice?

 

"Access sample databases" link at

http://www.google.com.au/search?as_...as_dt=i&as_sitesearch=&as_rights=&safe=images

Hope this stirs up the grey matter. Bazza

 

Thanks bigbazza, there is one that seem to be directly answering to my question, although that one is for version 95 so don't know if it will work with newer version. The sample databases might be also some use.

Now my problem is that I cannot access the Internet: someone's messed with my PC's system settings so badly that it needs a clean install (and at least most of the drivers are somewhere is storage, while I''ve been "homeless") - my ex had given me his router and set it up but has not given me the software for it so I cannot ad my computer to the network, although I'm paying for the bills. And that's hard for an internet addict, let alone when I need it for work. All I can, is use my friend's awful wireless connection , with a computer that crashes frequently. :cry I'd better start living in the library, if they have Access...

 

If its truly a router you don't need any software for it, just plug it in. Windows to go.
If you need anything further, make a separate post in the networking forum.

Studio T

 

Thanks, I will have to start looking for solutions ASP, this would be also a good time to consider whether my lan would still be wired. I forgot to mention that the router also has modem, and it is one of those that need male to male (or was it the other way round) cables as well as the software CD... I'll be asking questions when I've got the money, thanks for pointing in the right direction.

 

Obviously only you can see the cables and sockets. The only place for a female socket on an ethernet or usb cable would be if the cable was an extension cable. It would then have a female on one end and a male on the other.

Normal cables are male both ends. The usb also normally has a square plug on one end and a rectangular plug on the other. This is because one of the usb lines is used to supply power (electricity) and it is important not to connect the power lines of two units in opposition.

Most modems have an installation cd with them. This is meant to make the connection easier. However it is normally not necessary to use one unless it or your operating system are very old.
What is the make/model of modem ?
What is your operating system?


Studio T

 

If you built your 2000 access forms they are probably simple and basic in format and you should have no problem importing them into 2003.

HOWEVER THERE ARE EXCEPTIONS:

If your forms feed from and to more than one table you may lose the joins and have to recreate the joins.

Pull you tables in first set or reset the joins if applicable then your form.

As for a list box you have to delete that field in form design click the icon that creates a list box using the field from the form as the source and set the update control in that field property to yes as well as setting the lock property to allow updates.

Bring in reports is trickyer and requires next to expert user skills - you may find it simply easier to wizard the reports from scratch as the directions are lengthy.