How to find an Access mentor?

[Guest]

I'm new to using Access and I'm building my first application. I have a really clear Idea of how things should layout, the user interface, etc. and by following the instructions in 'Access 2003 Inside Out' (and others) I think that I have built a good foundation for the application. Using the book as a guide, the designing of the tables, queries and forms was rather easy. But now, (using VB to automate the functions I want) it feels like walking into a 'Hall of Mirrors' - I know where I want to go, but I can't figure out how to get there... And I can't seem to find examples of the things I want the application to do. Also, I think I may have some problems in the design of my DB (too many action queries and macros when VB would be faster/better), in how I'm trying to do things, etc.

Does anyone know of a way I could locate someone to take a look at my DB, give pointers, explain pros and cons of doing things different ways, etc.?

 

[Rolls]

First, try to completely avoid macros.

Step 1 is table design and normalization. If done right the wizards will
get you most of the way through form design. You shouldn't have to add much
code behind forms.

What does your app do? Start somewhere, ask a Q, and you'll probably get
through it without too many steps.

 

[Rolls]

Good book to start with! You're in the right place.

First, try to completely avoid macros.

Step 1 is table design and normalization. If done right the wizards will
get you most of the way through form design. You shouldn't have to add much
code behind forms.

What does your app do? Start somewhere, ask a Q, and you'll probably get
through it without too many steps.

 

[Jeff Conrad]

Hi,

Let me offer some suggestions by different categories:

1. Start right here!!
These newsgroups are a gold mine of information!
Break your questions into single topics and post in the relevant newsgroup.
Don't list 20 questions in one post!

2. You can also try Google on these past newsgroup posts:
http://tinyurl.com/ctj2
Search to see if someone else has already had a similar problem.

3. Here are many great Access links to help you solve problems:

http://www.mvps.org/access/
(A definite must!)

Microsoft Knowledge Base:
http://support.microsoft.com/?scid=fh;[ln];kbhowto

Microsoft Access 2000: Building Applications with Forms and Reports
http://tinyurl.com/2szmm

http://www.microsoft.com/Accessdev/articles/bapp97/toc.htm

http://mis.bus.sfu.ca/tutorials/MSAccess/tutorials.html

http://www.databaseanswers.com/data_models/index.htm

http://rogersaccesslibrary.com/TableOfContents.asp

http://www.functionx.com/access/

http://www.lebans.com/

http://www.trigeminal.com/utility.asp

http://www.applecore99.com/index.asp?page=frm029

http://www.granite.ab.ca/access/accesslinks.htm

http://users.bigpond.net.au/abrowne1/tips.html

http://www.winsoft.sk/daofaq.htm

http://www.calvinsmithsoftware.com/HardToFindTips.htm

http://www.invisibleinc.com/divFiles.cfm?divDivID=4

http://www.mvps.org/vbnet/

http://www.bcschools.net/staff/AccessHelp.htm#Top

http://www.candace-tripp.com/access_downloads.htm

http://www.datastrat.com/DataStrat2.html

http://www.helenfeddema.com/Downloads.htm

http://www.fontstuff.com/access/index.htm

http://www.dbases.net/knowledge_base/

http://www.xoc.net/standards/rvbanc.asp

http://www.geocities.com/waddly/accory.html

http://accdevel.tripod.com/

http://ffdba.com/downloads.htm

http://www.eade.com/AccessSIG/downloads.htm
(See the last download titled "Understanding
Normalization")

http://support.microsoft.com/?id=234208
ACC2000: "Understanding Relational Database Design"

http://www.attcanada.net/~kallal.msn/msaccess/msaccess.html

http://www.fgcu.edu/support/office2000/access/

http://cisnet.baruch.cuny.edu/holowczak/classes/2200/access/accessall.html#s
ec_intro

http://mphillipson.users.btopenworld.com/

http://www.datatexcg.com/Downloads/DatabaseDesignTips1997.pdf

http://www.master-office.com/developers.htm

http://www.developershandbook.com/
(A VERY good book to have)

4. Contact any local colleges/universities in your area.
I'm sure there will be plenty of upper graduate people or professors willing
to help.

5. Contact one of the many GREAT Access MVPs that frequent the newsgroups.
Most I'm sure would be willing to help for a fee of course.

Complete Access MVP List:
http://tinyurl.com/2dozr

Here are just a few specific Access MVP sites:

Dirk Goldgar http://www.datagnostics.com/
(Ask for Yoda)

Juan M. Afan de Ribera http://www.clikear.com/webs4/juanmafan

Steve Arbaugh http://ourworld.compuserve.com/homepages/attac-cg

Dev Ashish http://www.mvps.org/access

Andy Baron http://www.mcwtech.com/

Allen Browne http://allenbrowne.com

Mary Chipman http://www.mcwtech.com/

Steve Clark http://www.fmsinc.com

Rafael Andrada Cortina http://www.mcpegasus.net

Sandra Daigle http://www.daiglenet.com/msaccess.htm

Karl Donaubauer http://www.donkarl.com

Alex Dybenko http://www.arimsoft.ru/msaccess

Brian Everett http://www.globalone.net

Jim Ferguson http://www.fmsinc.com/

Ken Getz http://www.mcwtech.com/

Mike Gunderloy http://www.mcwtech.com/

Henry Habermacher http://www.psp-online.com

Michael S. Kaplan http://www.trigeminal.com/

Terry Kreft http://www.mps.co.uk/mps/

Stephen Lebans http://www.lebans.com

Simon Lewis http://www.btinternet.com/~srlewis

Paul Litwin http://www.mcwtech.com/

Graham Mandeno http://www.mandeno.com/

Arvin Meyer http://www.datastrat.com

Olaf Rabbachin http://www.resources.intuidev.com

Steve Schapel http://www.datamanagementsolutions.biz

Graham R. Seach http://www.pacificdb.com.au

Doug Steele http://I.Am/DougSteele/

Michael Steinboeck http://www.steinboeck.com/

Philipp Stiefel http://www.codekabinett.de/

Tony Toews http://www.granite.ab.ca

Lynn Trapp http://www.ltcomputerdesigns.com

John Viescas http://www.viescas.com/

Hope that helps a little.
Best of luck to you!

Jeff Conrad
Bend, Oregon

I'm new to using Access and I'm building my first application. I have a

really clear Idea of how things should layout, the user interface, etc. and
by following the instructions in 'Access 2003 Inside Out' (and others) I
think that I have built a good foundation for the application. Using the
book as a guide, the designing of the tables, queries and forms was rather
easy. But now, (using VB to automate the functions I want) it feels like
walking into a 'Hall of Mirrors' - I know where I want to go, but I can't
figure out how to get there... And I can't seem to find examples of the
things I want the application to do. Also, I think I may have some problems
in the design of my DB (too many action queries and macros when VB would be
faster/better), in how I'm trying to do things, etc.

Does anyone know of a way I could locate someone to take a look at my DB,

give pointers, explain pros and cons of doing things different ways, etc.?

 

[Cheryl Fischer]

To add to the good suggestions you have already received, if you live in a
metropolitan area, look for a local pc user group. Often, these have
special interest groups devoted to Access. Tony Toews' has compiled a list
that may be of help:

http://www.granite.ab.ca/access/usergroups.htm



--

Cheryl Fischer, MVP Microsoft Access
Law/Sys Associates, Houston, TX

I'm new to using Access and I'm building my first application. I have a

really clear Idea of how things should layout, the user interface, etc. and
by following the instructions in 'Access 2003 Inside Out' (and others) I
think that I have built a good foundation for the application. Using the
book as a guide, the designing of the tables, queries and forms was rather
easy. But now, (using VB to automate the functions I want) it feels like
walking into a 'Hall of Mirrors' - I know where I want to go, but I can't
figure out how to get there... And I can't seem to find examples of the
things I want the application to do. Also, I think I may have some problems
in the design of my DB (too many action queries and macros when VB would be
faster/better), in how I'm trying to do things, etc.

Does anyone know of a way I could locate someone to take a look at my DB,

give pointers, explain pros and cons of doing things different ways, etc.?

 

[PC Datasheet]

Rick,

I do just what you are looking for. I am in business to provide customers with a
resource for help with Access, Excel and Word applications. My fees are very
reasonable and you will be well satisfied working with me. If you want more
information about what I do, look at my website at the address below and contact
me at the email address below.


--
PC Datasheet
Your Resource For Help With Access, Excel And Word Applications
(e-mail address removed)
www.pcdatasheet.com

I'm new to using Access and I'm building my first application. I have a

really clear Idea of how things should layout, the user interface, etc. and by
following the instructions in 'Access 2003 Inside Out' (and others) I think that
I have built a good foundation for the application. Using the book as a guide,
the designing of the tables, queries and forms was rather easy. But now, (using
VB to automate the functions I want) it feels like walking into a 'Hall of
Mirrors' - I know where I want to go, but I can't figure out how to get there...
And I can't seem to find examples of the things I want the application to do.
Also, I think I may have some problems in the design of my DB (too many action
queries and macros when VB would be faster/better), in how I'm trying to do
things, etc.

Does anyone know of a way I could locate someone to take a look at my DB, give

pointers, explain pros and cons of doing things different ways, etc.?

 

[Guest]

Rolls

Thanks for the input. Yeah, I'm discovering their limitations... I just read about a wizard that will convert macros to code - I think I'll try that and see how the code compares to the macros (you know, just so my brain understands it)

As far as normalization, I'm pretty sure (99%?) all of my tables have unique fields (except of course an ID to another primary)

The types of things I want the app to do

# 1: FormA is based on a query
FormA has a listbox listing all records in same query
User clicks on item in listbox
FormA displays same record (done, found sample in the book)
# 2: User clicks a command button that looks like it's a column header for the list
List re-sorts according to associated field (date, name, city, etc)
(Found a similar type thing in Sybex's Access 2002 Chapter 35, but that requires an open query in form vie
- haven't tried building same type thing yet though.
# 3: User clicks on 'Search' button
'Search' form automatically opens
User enters 'From Date', 'To Date', and Name (selected from listbox)
User clicks 'Search' button, query runs again with dates and name as criteria (no problem)
Problem is when listbox is multi-select enabled

I posted a question in 'Programming' for item #3 and got a good function from Duane Hookum, I just can't figure out how to use it. Which leads me to think I need help getting from 'here' to 'there'

----- Rolls wrote: ----

Good book to start with! You're in the right place

First, try to completely avoid macros

Step 1 is table design and normalization. If done right the wizards wil
get you most of the way through form design. You shouldn't have to add muc
code behind forms

What does your app do? Start somewhere, ask a Q, and you'll probably ge
through it without too many steps

 

[Guest]

Cheryl

Thanks for this. I found a group nearby (OC Access user group) by using the link. They just had their monthly meeting last night. Darn, just missed it! (patience, Rick, patience...

----- Cheryl Fischer wrote: ----

To add to the good suggestions you have already received, if you live in
metropolitan area, look for a local pc user group. Often, these hav
special interest groups devoted to Access. Tony Toews' has compiled a lis
that may be of help

http://www.granite.ab.ca/access/usergroups.ht



-

Cheryl Fischer, MVP Microsoft Acces
Law/Sys Associates, Houston, T

I'm new to using Access and I'm building my first application. I have

really clear Idea of how things should layout, the user interface, etc. an
by following the instructions in 'Access 2003 Inside Out' (and others)
think that I have built a good foundation for the application. Using th
book as a guide, the designing of the tables, queries and forms was rathe
easy. But now, (using VB to automate the functions I want) it feels lik
walking into a 'Hall of Mirrors' - I know where I want to go, but I can'
figure out how to get there... And I can't seem to find examples of th
things I want the application to do. Also, I think I may have some problem
in the design of my DB (too many action queries and macros when VB would b
faster/better), in how I'm trying to do things, etcgive pointers, explain pros and cons of doing things different ways, etc.

 

[Guest]

Jeff

Wow, lots of info. Thanks for all of it

#1 That's why I'm here and I do have 20 questions - just not sure the order to ask them in so I get the answer I need
#2 I'll try..
#3 I'll try some (or all?) and I'll get the developer's handbook, as suggested
#4 That might be the way to find a mentor. I guess I'll have to stop the 'after work become a couch-potato' thing and go mentor hunting (wink) at the local U
#5 I thought I read somewhere not to contact advisors - must be at the end of their individual posts not to email directly. I'l try some of the sites you provided

Thanks again to you and the rest that have responded. Really appreciate the help

----- Jeff Conrad wrote: ----

Hi

Let me offer some suggestions by different categories

1. Start right here!
These newsgroups are a gold mine of information
Break your questions into single topics and post in the relevant newsgroup
Don't list 20 questions in one post

2. You can also try Google on these past newsgroup posts
http://tinyurl.com/ctj
Search to see if someone else has already had a similar problem

3. Here are many great Access links to help you solve problems

http://www.mvps.org/access
(A definite must!

Microsoft Knowledge Base
http://support.microsoft.com/?scid=fh;[ln];kbhowt

Microsoft Access 2000: Building Applications with Forms and Report
http://tinyurl.com/2szm

http://www.microsoft.com/Accessdev/articles/bapp97/toc.ht

http://mis.bus.sfu.ca/tutorials/MSAccess/tutorials.htm

http://www.databaseanswers.com/data_models/index.ht

http://rogersaccesslibrary.com/TableOfContents.as

http://www.functionx.com/access

http://www.lebans.com

http://www.trigeminal.com/utility.as

http://www.applecore99.com/index.asp?page=frm02

http://www.granite.ab.ca/access/accesslinks.ht

http://users.bigpond.net.au/abrowne1/tips.htm

http://www.winsoft.sk/daofaq.ht

http://www.calvinsmithsoftware.com/HardToFindTips.ht

http://www.invisibleinc.com/divFiles.cfm?divDivID=

http://www.mvps.org/vbnet

http://www.bcschools.net/staff/AccessHelp.htm#To

http://www.candace-tripp.com/access_downloads.ht

http://www.datastrat.com/DataStrat2.htm

http://www.helenfeddema.com/Downloads.ht

http://www.fontstuff.com/access/index.ht

http://www.dbases.net/knowledge_base

http://www.xoc.net/standards/rvbanc.as

http://www.geocities.com/waddly/accory.htm

http://accdevel.tripod.com

http://ffdba.com/downloads.ht

http://www.eade.com/AccessSIG/downloads.ht
(See the last download titled "Understandin
Normalization"

http://support.microsoft.com/?id=23420
ACC2000: "Understanding Relational Database Design

http://www.attcanada.net/~kallal.msn/msaccess/msaccess.htm

http://www.fgcu.edu/support/office2000/access

http://cisnet.baruch.cuny.edu/holowczak/classes/2200/access/accessall.html#
ec_intr

http://mphillipson.users.btopenworld.com

http://www.datatexcg.com/Downloads/DatabaseDesignTips1997.pd

http://www.master-office.com/developers.ht

http://www.developershandbook.com
(A VERY good book to have

4. Contact any local colleges/universities in your area
I'm sure there will be plenty of upper graduate people or professors willin
to help

5. Contact one of the many GREAT Access MVPs that frequent the newsgroups
Most I'm sure would be willing to help for a fee of course

Complete Access MVP List
http://tinyurl.com/2doz

Here are just a few specific Access MVP sites

Dirk Goldgar http://www.datagnostics.com
(Ask for Yoda

Juan M. Afan de Ribera http://www.clikear.com/webs4/juanmafa

Steve Arbaugh http://ourworld.compuserve.com/homepages/attac-cg

Dev Ashish http://www.mvps.org/access

Andy Baron http://www.mcwtech.com/

Allen Browne http://allenbrowne.com

Mary Chipman http://www.mcwtech.com/

Steve Clark http://www.fmsinc.com

Rafael Andrada Cortina http://www.mcpegasus.net

Sandra Daigle http://www.daiglenet.com/msaccess.htm

Karl Donaubauer http://www.donkarl.com

Alex Dybenko http://www.arimsoft.ru/msaccess

Brian Everett http://www.globalone.net

Jim Ferguson http://www.fmsinc.com/

Ken Getz http://www.mcwtech.com/

Mike Gunderloy http://www.mcwtech.com/

Henry Habermacher http://www.psp-online.com

Michael S. Kaplan http://www.trigeminal.com/

Terry Kreft http://www.mps.co.uk/mps/

Stephen Lebans http://www.lebans.com

Simon Lewis http://www.btinternet.com/~srlewis

Paul Litwin http://www.mcwtech.com/

Graham Mandeno http://www.mandeno.com/

Arvin Meyer http://www.datastrat.com

Olaf Rabbachin http://www.resources.intuidev.com

Steve Schapel http://www.datamanagementsolutions.biz

Graham R. Seach http://www.pacificdb.com.au

Doug Steele http://I.Am/DougSteele/

Michael Steinboeck http://www.steinboeck.com/

Philipp Stiefel http://www.codekabinett.de/

Tony Toews http://www.granite.ab.ca

Lynn Trapp http://www.ltcomputerdesigns.com

John Viescas http://www.viescas.com/

Hope that helps a little.
Best of luck to you!

Jeff Conrad
Bend, Oregon

I'm new to using Access and I'm building my first application. I have a

really clear Idea of how things should layout, the user interface, etc. and
by following the instructions in 'Access 2003 Inside Out' (and others) I
think that I have built a good foundation for the application. Using the
book as a guide, the designing of the tables, queries and forms was rather
easy. But now, (using VB to automate the functions I want) it feels like
walking into a 'Hall of Mirrors' - I know where I want to go, but I can't
figure out how to get there... And I can't seem to find examples of the
things I want the application to do. Also, I think I may have some problems
in the design of my DB (too many action queries and macros when VB would be
faster/better), in how I'm trying to do things, etc.give pointers, explain pros and cons of doing things different ways, etc.?

 

[Jeff Conrad]

Jeff,

Wow, lots of info. Thanks for all of it.

#1 That's why I'm here and I do have 20 questions - just not sure the

order to ask them in so I get the answer I need.

#2 I'll try...
#3 I'll try some (or all?) and I'll get the developer's handbook, as suggested.
#4 That might be the way to find a mentor. I guess I'll have to stop the

'after work become a couch-potato' thing and go mentor hunting (wink) at the
local U.

#5 I thought I read somewhere not to contact advisors - must be at the

end of their individual posts not to email directly. I'l try some of the
sites you provided.

Thanks again to you and the rest that have responded. Really appreciate the help!

----- Jeff Conrad wrote: -----

Hi,

Let me offer some suggestions by different categories:

1. Start right here!!
These newsgroups are a gold mine of information!
Break your questions into single topics and post in the relevant newsgroup.
Don't list 20 questions in one post!

2. You can also try Google on these past newsgroup posts:
http://tinyurl.com/ctj2
Search to see if someone else has already had a similar problem.

3. Here are many great Access links to help you solve problems:

http://www.mvps.org/access/
(A definite must!)

Microsoft Knowledge Base:
http://support.microsoft.com/?scid=fh;[ln];kbhowto

Microsoft Access 2000: Building Applications with Forms and Reports
http://tinyurl.com/2szmm

http://www.microsoft.com/Accessdev/articles/bapp97/toc.htm

http://mis.bus.sfu.ca/tutorials/MSAccess/tutorials.html

http://www.databaseanswers.com/data_models/index.htm

http://rogersaccesslibrary.com/TableOfContents.asp

http://www.functionx.com/access/

http://www.lebans.com/

http://www.trigeminal.com/utility.asp

http://www.applecore99.com/index.asp?page=frm029

http://www.granite.ab.ca/access/accesslinks.htm

http://users.bigpond.net.au/abrowne1/tips.html

http://www.winsoft.sk/daofaq.htm

http://www.calvinsmithsoftware.com/HardToFindTips.htm

http://www.invisibleinc.com/divFiles.cfm?divDivID=4

http://www.mvps.org/vbnet/

http://www.bcschools.net/staff/AccessHelp.htm#Top

http://www.candace-tripp.com/access_downloads.htm

http://www.datastrat.com/DataStrat2.html

http://www.helenfeddema.com/Downloads.htm

http://www.fontstuff.com/access/index.htm

http://www.dbases.net/knowledge_base/

http://www.xoc.net/standards/rvbanc.asp

http://www.geocities.com/waddly/accory.html

http://accdevel.tripod.com/

http://ffdba.com/downloads.htm

http://www.eade.com/AccessSIG/downloads.htm
(See the last download titled "Understanding
Normalization")

http://support.microsoft.com/?id=234208
ACC2000: "Understanding Relational Database Design"

http://www.attcanada.net/~kallal.msn/msaccess/msaccess.html

http://www.fgcu.edu/support/office2000/access/

http://cisnet.baruch.cuny.edu/holowczak/classes/2200/access/accessall.html#s
ec_intro

http://mphillipson.users.btopenworld.com/

http://www.datatexcg.com/Downloads/DatabaseDesignTips1997.pdf

http://www.master-office.com/developers.htm

http://www.developershandbook.com/
(A VERY good book to have)

4. Contact any local colleges/universities in your area.
I'm sure there will be plenty of upper graduate people or professors willing
to help.

5. Contact one of the many GREAT Access MVPs that frequent the newsgroups.
Most I'm sure would be willing to help for a fee of course.

Complete Access MVP List:
http://tinyurl.com/2dozr

Here are just a few specific Access MVP sites:

Dirk Goldgar http://www.datagnostics.com/
(Ask for Yoda)

Juan M. Afan de Ribera http://www.clikear.com/webs4/juanmafan

Steve Arbaugh http://ourworld.compuserve.com/homepages/attac-cg

Dev Ashish http://www.mvps.org/access

Andy Baron http://www.mcwtech.com/

Allen Browne http://allenbrowne.com

Mary Chipman http://www.mcwtech.com/

Steve Clark http://www.fmsinc.com

Rafael Andrada Cortina http://www.mcpegasus.net

Sandra Daigle http://www.daiglenet.com/msaccess.htm

Karl Donaubauer http://www.donkarl.com

Alex Dybenko http://www.arimsoft.ru/msaccess

Brian Everett http://www.globalone.net

Jim Ferguson http://www.fmsinc.com/

Ken Getz http://www.mcwtech.com/

Mike Gunderloy http://www.mcwtech.com/

Henry Habermacher http://www.psp-online.com

Michael S. Kaplan http://www.trigeminal.com/

Terry Kreft http://www.mps.co.uk/mps/

Stephen Lebans http://www.lebans.com

Simon Lewis http://www.btinternet.com/~srlewis

Paul Litwin http://www.mcwtech.com/

Graham Mandeno http://www.mandeno.com/

Arvin Meyer http://www.datastrat.com

Olaf Rabbachin http://www.resources.intuidev.com

Steve Schapel http://www.datamanagementsolutions.biz

Graham R. Seach http://www.pacificdb.com.au

Doug Steele http://I.Am/DougSteele/

Michael Steinboeck http://www.steinboeck.com/

Philipp Stiefel http://www.codekabinett.de/

Tony Toews http://www.granite.ab.ca

Lynn Trapp http://www.ltcomputerdesigns.com

John Viescas http://www.viescas.com/

Hope that helps a little.
Best of luck to you!

Jeff Conrad
Bend, Oregon

I'm new to using Access and I'm building my first application. I

have a
really clear Idea of how things should layout, the user interface, etc. and
by following the instructions in 'Access 2003 Inside Out' (and others) I
think that I have built a good foundation for the application. Using the
book as a guide, the designing of the tables, queries and forms was rather
easy. But now, (using VB to automate the functions I want) it feels like
walking into a 'Hall of Mirrors' - I know where I want to go, but I can't
figure out how to get there... And I can't seem to find examples of the
things I want the application to do. Also, I think I may have some problems
in the design of my DB (too many action queries and macros when VB would be
faster/better), in how I'm trying to do things, etc. my DB,
give pointers, explain pros and cons of doing things different ways, etc.?

 

[Jeff Conrad]

Hi Rick,

Oops, hit the Send button too soon.

#1: Just take it one step at a time.
Be sure to always mention what Access version you are using.
Depending upon the topic it can be very helpful to include the relevant
table structure.

#2: You'd be surprised how many times a similar question has been asked.

#3: The ADH book is a MUST have for serious developers.
It is heavy-handed though and definitely not a beginner book.

#4: Just do the couch-potato thing AFTER the mentor meetings! ;-)

#5: Just a mis-interpretation of what they are saying.
The MVPs (and other posters) do not want to be contacted directly for
general newsgroup help questions for a number of reasons:
1. It doesn't benefit the group. If you ask a question and I'm following the
thread because I want to know the answer as well, it does ME no good to have
your answer come off-line from direct help. Now sometimes this is necessary
and people will ask to see a cut-down copy of the database. But, most MVPs
will post back their findings and solution to the group for all to see.
2. The MVPs and other people are also quite busy! They have jobs as well and
most do some private and/or professional consulting work. I think most MVPs
(as well many others around here) would be willing to help you for a
consulting fee. That helps put food on their table . You can certainly (I
think) send a message to any of the MVPs using their contact information and
request their consulting help. The worst you'll probably get is a "Sorry,
I'm a little busy right now."

Good luck,
Jeff Conrad
Bend, Oregon

Jeff,

Wow, lots of info. Thanks for all of it.

#1 That's why I'm here and I do have 20 questions - just not sure the

order to ask them in so I get the answer I need.

#2 I'll try...
#3 I'll try some (or all?) and I'll get the developer's handbook, as suggested.
#4 That might be the way to find a mentor. I guess I'll have to stop the

'after work become a couch-potato' thing and go mentor hunting (wink) at the
local U.

#5 I thought I read somewhere not to contact advisors - must be at the

end of their individual posts not to email directly. I'l try some of the
sites you provided.

Thanks again to you and the rest that have responded. Really appreciate the help!

----- Jeff Conrad wrote: -----

Hi,

Let me offer some suggestions by different categories:

1. Start right here!!
These newsgroups are a gold mine of information!
Break your questions into single topics and post in the relevant newsgroup.
Don't list 20 questions in one post!

2. You can also try Google on these past newsgroup posts:
http://tinyurl.com/ctj2
Search to see if someone else has already had a similar problem.

3. Here are many great Access links to help you solve problems:

http://www.mvps.org/access/
(A definite must!)

Microsoft Knowledge Base:
http://support.microsoft.com/?scid=fh;[ln];kbhowto

Microsoft Access 2000: Building Applications with Forms and Reports
http://tinyurl.com/2szmm

http://www.microsoft.com/Accessdev/articles/bapp97/toc.htm

http://mis.bus.sfu.ca/tutorials/MSAccess/tutorials.html

http://www.databaseanswers.com/data_models/index.htm

http://rogersaccesslibrary.com/TableOfContents.asp

http://www.functionx.com/access/

http://www.lebans.com/

http://www.trigeminal.com/utility.asp

http://www.applecore99.com/index.asp?page=frm029

http://www.granite.ab.ca/access/accesslinks.htm

http://users.bigpond.net.au/abrowne1/tips.html

http://www.winsoft.sk/daofaq.htm

http://www.calvinsmithsoftware.com/HardToFindTips.htm

http://www.invisibleinc.com/divFiles.cfm?divDivID=4

http://www.mvps.org/vbnet/

http://www.bcschools.net/staff/AccessHelp.htm#Top

http://www.candace-tripp.com/access_downloads.htm

http://www.datastrat.com/DataStrat2.html

http://www.helenfeddema.com/Downloads.htm

http://www.fontstuff.com/access/index.htm

http://www.dbases.net/knowledge_base/

http://www.xoc.net/standards/rvbanc.asp

http://www.geocities.com/waddly/accory.html

http://accdevel.tripod.com/

http://ffdba.com/downloads.htm

http://www.eade.com/AccessSIG/downloads.htm
(See the last download titled "Understanding
Normalization")

http://support.microsoft.com/?id=234208
ACC2000: "Understanding Relational Database Design"

http://www.attcanada.net/~kallal.msn/msaccess/msaccess.html

http://www.fgcu.edu/support/office2000/access/

http://cisnet.baruch.cuny.edu/holowczak/classes/2200/access/accessall.html#s
ec_intro

http://mphillipson.users.btopenworld.com/

http://www.datatexcg.com/Downloads/DatabaseDesignTips1997.pdf

http://www.master-office.com/developers.htm

http://www.developershandbook.com/
(A VERY good book to have)

4. Contact any local colleges/universities in your area.
I'm sure there will be plenty of upper graduate people or professors willing
to help.

5. Contact one of the many GREAT Access MVPs that frequent the newsgroups.
Most I'm sure would be willing to help for a fee of course.

Complete Access MVP List:
http://tinyurl.com/2dozr

Here are just a few specific Access MVP sites:

Dirk Goldgar http://www.datagnostics.com/
(Ask for Yoda)

Juan M. Afan de Ribera http://www.clikear.com/webs4/juanmafan

Steve Arbaugh http://ourworld.compuserve.com/homepages/attac-cg

Dev Ashish http://www.mvps.org/access

Andy Baron http://www.mcwtech.com/

Allen Browne http://allenbrowne.com

Mary Chipman http://www.mcwtech.com/

Steve Clark http://www.fmsinc.com

Rafael Andrada Cortina http://www.mcpegasus.net

Sandra Daigle http://www.daiglenet.com/msaccess.htm

Karl Donaubauer http://www.donkarl.com

Alex Dybenko http://www.arimsoft.ru/msaccess

Brian Everett http://www.globalone.net

Jim Ferguson http://www.fmsinc.com/

Ken Getz http://www.mcwtech.com/

Mike Gunderloy http://www.mcwtech.com/

Henry Habermacher http://www.psp-online.com

Michael S. Kaplan http://www.trigeminal.com/

Terry Kreft http://www.mps.co.uk/mps/

Stephen Lebans http://www.lebans.com

Simon Lewis http://www.btinternet.com/~srlewis

Paul Litwin http://www.mcwtech.com/

Graham Mandeno http://www.mandeno.com/

Arvin Meyer http://www.datastrat.com

Olaf Rabbachin http://www.resources.intuidev.com

Steve Schapel http://www.datamanagementsolutions.biz

Graham R. Seach http://www.pacificdb.com.au

Doug Steele http://I.Am/DougSteele/

Michael Steinboeck http://www.steinboeck.com/

Philipp Stiefel http://www.codekabinett.de/

Tony Toews http://www.granite.ab.ca

Lynn Trapp http://www.ltcomputerdesigns.com

John Viescas http://www.viescas.com/

Hope that helps a little.
Best of luck to you!

Jeff Conrad
Bend, Oregon

I'm new to using Access and I'm building my first application. I

have a
really clear Idea of how things should layout, the user interface, etc. and
by following the instructions in 'Access 2003 Inside Out' (and others) I
think that I have built a good foundation for the application. Using the
book as a guide, the designing of the tables, queries and forms was rather
easy. But now, (using VB to automate the functions I want) it feels like
walking into a 'Hall of Mirrors' - I know where I want to go, but I can't
figure out how to get there... And I can't seem to find examples of the
things I want the application to do. Also, I think I may have some problems
in the design of my DB (too many action queries and macros when VB would be
faster/better), in how I'm trying to do things, etc. my DB,
give pointers, explain pros and cons of doing things different ways, etc.?

 

[Jan Il]

Hi Rick,

Oops, hit the Send button too soon.

;-))

Jan

#1: Just take it one step at a time.
Be sure to always mention what Access version you are using.
Depending upon the topic it can be very helpful to include the relevant
table structure.

#2: You'd be surprised how many times a similar question has been asked.

#3: The ADH book is a MUST have for serious developers.
It is heavy-handed though and definitely not a beginner book.

#4: Just do the couch-potato thing AFTER the mentor meetings! ;-)

#5: Just a mis-interpretation of what they are saying.
The MVPs (and other posters) do not want to be contacted directly for
general newsgroup help questions for a number of reasons:
1. It doesn't benefit the group. If you ask a question and I'm following the
thread because I want to know the answer as well, it does ME no good to have
your answer come off-line from direct help. Now sometimes this is necessary
and people will ask to see a cut-down copy of the database. But, most MVPs
will post back their findings and solution to the group for all to see.
2. The MVPs and other people are also quite busy! They have jobs as well and
most do some private and/or professional consulting work. I think most MVPs
(as well many others around here) would be willing to help you for a
consulting fee. That helps put food on their table . You can certainly (I
think) send a message to any of the MVPs using their contact information and
request their consulting help. The worst you'll probably get is a "Sorry,
I'm a little busy right now."

Good luck,
Jeff Conrad
Bend, Oregon

Jeff,

Wow, lots of info. Thanks for all of it.

#1 That's why I'm here and I do have 20 questions - just not sure the

order to ask them in so I get the answer I need.

#2 I'll try...
#3 I'll try some (or all?) and I'll get the developer's handbook, as suggested.
#4 That might be the way to find a mentor. I guess I'll have to stop

the
'after work become a couch-potato' thing and go mentor hunting (wink) at the
local U.

#5 I thought I read somewhere not to contact advisors - must be at the

end of their individual posts not to email directly. I'l try some of the
sites you provided.

Thanks again to you and the rest that have responded. Really appreciate the help!

----- Jeff Conrad wrote: -----

Hi,

Let me offer some suggestions by different categories:

1. Start right here!!
These newsgroups are a gold mine of information!
Break your questions into single topics and post in the relevant newsgroup.
Don't list 20 questions in one post!

2. You can also try Google on these past newsgroup posts:
http://tinyurl.com/ctj2
Search to see if someone else has already had a similar problem.

3. Here are many great Access links to help you solve problems:

http://www.mvps.org/access/
(A definite must!)

Microsoft Knowledge Base:
http://support.microsoft.com/?scid=fh;[ln];kbhowto

Microsoft Access 2000: Building Applications with Forms and Reports
http://tinyurl.com/2szmm

http://www.microsoft.com/Accessdev/articles/bapp97/toc.htm

http://mis.bus.sfu.ca/tutorials/MSAccess/tutorials.html

http://www.databaseanswers.com/data_models/index.htm

http://rogersaccesslibrary.com/TableOfContents.asp

http://www.functionx.com/access/

http://www.lebans.com/

http://www.trigeminal.com/utility.asp

http://www.applecore99.com/index.asp?page=frm029

http://www.granite.ab.ca/access/accesslinks.htm

http://users.bigpond.net.au/abrowne1/tips.html

http://www.winsoft.sk/daofaq.htm

http://www.calvinsmithsoftware.com/HardToFindTips.htm

http://www.invisibleinc.com/divFiles.cfm?divDivID=4

http://www.mvps.org/vbnet/

http://www.bcschools.net/staff/AccessHelp.htm#Top

http://www.candace-tripp.com/access_downloads.htm

http://www.datastrat.com/DataStrat2.html

http://www.helenfeddema.com/Downloads.htm

http://www.fontstuff.com/access/index.htm

http://www.dbases.net/knowledge_base/

http://www.xoc.net/standards/rvbanc.asp

http://www.geocities.com/waddly/accory.html

http://accdevel.tripod.com/

http://ffdba.com/downloads.htm

http://www.eade.com/AccessSIG/downloads.htm
(See the last download titled "Understanding
Normalization")

http://support.microsoft.com/?id=234208
ACC2000: "Understanding Relational Database Design"

http://www.attcanada.net/~kallal.msn/msaccess/msaccess.html

http://www.fgcu.edu/support/office2000/access/

http://cisnet.baruch.cuny.edu/holowczak/classes/2200/access/accessall.html#s

ec_intro

http://mphillipson.users.btopenworld.com/

http://www.datatexcg.com/Downloads/DatabaseDesignTips1997.pdf

http://www.master-office.com/developers.htm

http://www.developershandbook.com/
(A VERY good book to have)

4. Contact any local colleges/universities in your area.
I'm sure there will be plenty of upper graduate people or

professors

willing
to help.

5. Contact one of the many GREAT Access MVPs that frequent the newsgroups.
Most I'm sure would be willing to help for a fee of course.

Complete Access MVP List:
http://tinyurl.com/2dozr

Here are just a few specific Access MVP sites:

Dirk Goldgar http://www.datagnostics.com/
(Ask for Yoda)

Juan M. Afan de Ribera http://www.clikear.com/webs4/juanmafan

Steve Arbaugh http://ourworld.compuserve.com/homepages/attac-cg

Dev Ashish http://www.mvps.org/access

Andy Baron http://www.mcwtech.com/

Allen Browne http://allenbrowne.com

Mary Chipman http://www.mcwtech.com/

Steve Clark http://www.fmsinc.com

Rafael Andrada Cortina http://www.mcpegasus.net

Sandra Daigle http://www.daiglenet.com/msaccess.htm

Karl Donaubauer http://www.donkarl.com

Alex Dybenko http://www.arimsoft.ru/msaccess

Brian Everett http://www.globalone.net

Jim Ferguson http://www.fmsinc.com/

Ken Getz http://www.mcwtech.com/

Mike Gunderloy http://www.mcwtech.com/

Henry Habermacher http://www.psp-online.com

Michael S. Kaplan http://www.trigeminal.com/

Terry Kreft http://www.mps.co.uk/mps/

Stephen Lebans http://www.lebans.com

Simon Lewis http://www.btinternet.com/~srlewis

Paul Litwin http://www.mcwtech.com/

Graham Mandeno http://www.mandeno.com/

Arvin Meyer http://www.datastrat.com

Olaf Rabbachin http://www.resources.intuidev.com

Steve Schapel http://www.datamanagementsolutions.biz

Graham R. Seach http://www.pacificdb.com.au

Doug Steele http://I.Am/DougSteele/

Michael Steinboeck http://www.steinboeck.com/

Philipp Stiefel http://www.codekabinett.de/

Tony Toews http://www.granite.ab.ca

Lynn Trapp http://www.ltcomputerdesigns.com

John Viescas http://www.viescas.com/

Hope that helps a little.
Best of luck to you!

Jeff Conrad
Bend, Oregon

have a
really clear Idea of how things should layout, the user interface, etc. and
by following the instructions in 'Access 2003 Inside Out' (and others) I
think that I have built a good foundation for the application.

Using

the
book as a guide, the designing of the tables, queries and forms was rather
easy. But now, (using VB to automate the functions I want) it

feels

like
walking into a 'Hall of Mirrors' - I know where I want to go, but I can't
figure out how to get there... And I can't seem to find examples

of

the
things I want the application to do. Also, I think I may have some problems
in the design of my DB (too many action queries and macros when VB would be
faster/better), in how I'm trying to do things, etc.

at
my DB,

give pointers, explain pros and cons of doing things different

ways,

etc.?

 

[MacDermott]

You might want to search the newsgroup archives for recommendations on more
advanced Access texts.

If you really want a mentor, look for an Access/VB users' group in your
area.
Or if you're willing to pay, try your local IT staffing agencies. They may
have someone who'd be willing to hire out for an hour or two here or there
for the kind of services you're looking for.

But Rolls is right -
if you ask specific questions in newsgroups, you'll usually get some
help.

HTH
- Turtle

I'm new to using Access and I'm building my first application. I have a

really clear Idea of how things should layout, the user interface, etc. and
by following the instructions in 'Access 2003 Inside Out' (and others) I
think that I have built a good foundation for the application. Using the
book as a guide, the designing of the tables, queries and forms was rather
easy. But now, (using VB to automate the functions I want) it feels like
walking into a 'Hall of Mirrors' - I know where I want to go, but I can't
figure out how to get there... And I can't seem to find examples of the
things I want the application to do. Also, I think I may have some problems
in the design of my DB (too many action queries and macros when VB would be
faster/better), in how I'm trying to do things, etc.

Does anyone know of a way I could locate someone to take a look at my DB,

give pointers, explain pros and cons of doing things different ways, etc.?

 

[Jeff Conrad]

-----Original Message-----

;-))

Jan

Still trying to get used to Outlook Express!

Jeff Conrad
Bend, Oregon

 

[Jan Il]

Still trying to get used to Outlook Express!

Ah.....great! Try it with one of the new MS Ergonomic keyboards, the kind
with the spilt in the middle. But, not being of the Vulcan species, my hands
nor fingers have yet learned how to do the splits well enough to accommodate
this new configuration and finger placement. The two pointer fingers keep
looking for something in the middle to tap like crazy on. Failing this, the
rest are on their own and just jockey for places as best they can. It is
for that reason that I am using my voice recognition to reply. However, my
neighbor is translating for me, as my southern accent sorely confuses the
speech adjustment programming, therefore, the result is not much better than
with the Ergo keyboard. ;-)))

Good Luck!

Jan

 

[Fred Boer]

You know, Jan, there is a major benefit of having this kind of keyboard...
people never ask to use your computer because they can't type properly on
it!

Fred (a.k.a. Mr. "It's MINE computer!! Don't touch!)

 

[Guest]

Hi MacDermott,

Thank you. I have looked at alot of different books. Many look like they cover the same things. Others don't have the in-depth coverage that I'm looking for. And others are too advanced. I guess I'm too impatient to wade through beginning VBA and learn about building dice games and not educated enough to understand a tome like Developer's Handbook.

I have taken all of the suggestions seriously and have located two local user groups. I'm going to try those before I try hiring a consultant.

By the way, I have found a solution (for one of the problems I was having) on one of the websites from the list Jeff Conrad provided. And I have gotten 'smart' and used the search feature (doh!) - much better now! So this forum is proving very beneficial to me. Again, thanks to everyone for their support!

Rick...

----- MacDermott wrote: -----

You might want to search the newsgroup archives for recommendations on more
advanced Access texts.

If you really want a mentor, look for an Access/VB users' group in your
area.
Or if you're willing to pay, try your local IT staffing agencies. They may
have someone who'd be willing to hire out for an hour or two here or there
for the kind of services you're looking for.

But Rolls is right -
if you ask specific questions in newsgroups, you'll usually get some
help.

HTH
- Turtle

I'm new to using Access and I'm building my first application. I have a

really clear Idea of how things should layout, the user interface, etc. and
by following the instructions in 'Access 2003 Inside Out' (and others) I
think that I have built a good foundation for the application. Using the
book as a guide, the designing of the tables, queries and forms was rather
easy. But now, (using VB to automate the functions I want) it feels like
walking into a 'Hall of Mirrors' - I know where I want to go, but I can't
figure out how to get there... And I can't seem to find examples of the
things I want the application to do. Also, I think I may have some problems
in the design of my DB (too many action queries and macros when VB would be
faster/better), in how I'm trying to do things, etc.give pointers, explain pros and cons of doing things different ways, etc.?

 

[Fred Boer]

Dear Rick:

Good luck with your application development! Working with Access can be a
whole lot of fun! However, I hope you don't mind a small piece of advice,
from someone who started from scratch in Access a couple of years ago: try
not to be too "impatient" as you go about learning. If I had only taken the
time to nail down the basics when I started trying to create an application
in Access (way back when!), I would have had to spend *so* much less time
fixing things up later on! I am *still* fixing problems which stem from my
improperly designed tables and relationships two years later... Also, I
made many mistakes in not using a consistent naming convention in my
application, and not understanding and implementing error handling... and..
well, the list goes on! Of course, I'm not suggesting that *you* have made
these mistakes, but making sure you get it right at the beginning will allow
you to fly much faster in the long term...

You might want to use the following as a checklist:

http://www.mvps.org/access/tencommandments.htm

HTH
Fred Boer

Hi MacDermott,

Thank you. I have looked at alot of different books. Many look like they

cover the same things. Others don't have the in-depth coverage that I'm
looking for. And others are too advanced. I guess I'm too impatient to
wade through beginning VBA and learn about building dice games and not
educated enough to understand a tome like Developer's Handbook.

I have taken all of the suggestions seriously and have located two local

user groups. I'm going to try those before I try hiring a consultant.

By the way, I have found a solution (for one of the problems I was having)

on one of the websites from the list Jeff Conrad provided. And I have
gotten 'smart' and used the search feature (doh!) - much better now! So
this forum is proving very beneficial to me. Again, thanks to everyone for
their support!

 

[Jeff Conrad]

Hi Fred,

Excellent advice for sure. I made all the same common mistakes as well. I
wish I had found these newsgroups right when I was starting out with Access.
It sure would have made life easier not having to go back and correct all my
past mistakes!

At any rate here's a little function I use now frequently to cover past
stupidity.
Place in any standard module and hang on!
Use with caution!

Public Function FixPastMistakes()

Dim YearsPast As Integer
Dim TargetDate As Date

YearsPast = 2

TargetDate = DateSerial(Format(Date, "yyyy") - 2, _
(Format(Date, "m")), (Format(Date, "w")))

DoCmd.RunCommand acCmdActivateTimeWarp(TargetDate)

End Function

Oh, make sure you have a reference to the FluxCapacitor.ocx

Jeff Conrad
Bend, Oregon

 

[Guest]

Fred

Thanks for the link, the 'rules' are nicely put! I wish I had known NOT to use Lookup Fields in my tables. Fortunately I found out the problem early and was able to go back and clean them all up. Never again, eh

Thanks for the advice too. For naming conventions, I picked up somewhere (sorry to author) doing something like this
tblInstalle
frmInstalle
qryActiveInstaller
rptActiveInstaller
This identifies the type of object and keeps the spaces out of the name. Do you think that this suits the long-term, or am I missing something

On error handling, I haven't 'written' any code yet. I've only pasted (or re-typed) a few short (and relatively easy to understand) codes. But I think I understand the why of using error handling and what it does. Basically, you write code that instructs (translated to English) "If the following instructions don't work, then jump to the end of the instructions and don't bother trying to finish doing the instructions.

After reading the 'Commandments' list, methinks I must learn exact syntax and go back into the app and add a few lines of code to every sub I have pasted in there

Have you got any more 'common newbie mistakes' I might try looking for or avoiding

Rick..

----- Fred Boer wrote: ----

Dear Rick

Good luck with your application development! Working with Access can be
whole lot of fun! However, I hope you don't mind a small piece of advice
from someone who started from scratch in Access a couple of years ago: tr
not to be too "impatient" as you go about learning. If I had only taken th
time to nail down the basics when I started trying to create an applicatio
in Access (way back when!), I would have had to spend *so* much less tim
fixing things up later on! I am *still* fixing problems which stem from m
improperly designed tables and relationships two years later... Also,
made many mistakes in not using a consistent naming convention in m
application, and not understanding and implementing error handling... and.
well, the list goes on! Of course, I'm not suggesting that *you* have mad
these mistakes, but making sure you get it right at the beginning will allo
you to fly much faster in the long term..

You might want to use the following as a checklist

http://www.mvps.org/access/tencommandments.ht

HT
Fred Boe

Hi MacDermott

cover the same things. Others don't have the in-depth coverage that I'
looking for. And others are too advanced. I guess I'm too impatient t
wade through beginning VBA and learn about building dice games and no
educated enough to understand a tome like Developer's Handbookon one of the websites from the list Jeff Conrad provided. And I hav
gotten 'smart' and used the search feature (doh!) - much better now! S
this forum is proving very beneficial to me. Again, thanks to everyone fo
their support

Rick..
----- MacDermott wrote: ----
You might want to search the newsgroup archives for recommendation

on mor
advanced Access texts

If you really want a mentor, look for an Access/VB users' group i

you
area
Or if you're willing to pay, try your local IT staffing agencies They ma
have someone who'd be willing to hire out for an hour or two here o ther
for the kind of services you're looking for

But Rolls is right

if you ask specific questions in newsgroups, you'll usually ge some