Look-up Field/Linking Tables

[Guest]

In a previous messge:

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

By all means use Lookups - combo boxes - but use them where they belong, on
your Forms.

In relpy to your answer and after looking at that link above, can you
explain to me another aproach to linking tables other than lookup fields? I
may not be new to access, and I am not claiming that I know alot about
access, but I have built several databases for personal and private(military)
use. In these databases, I use look-ups to link the tables, is there a
different way? And if so, please explain, because it could possibly help me
in my current endevor.



My current task: I work for a Juvenile Boot Camp that has no formal computer
infrastructure or instruction. I have been voluntold to record all
information in a format that is able to consolidate the information as well
as be consistent with the format of reports and the way data is stored. So
far I have seven databases all linked together in some form or fashion via
look-up fields. Now while some of these databases will not grow as fast as
others (StaffInfo vs DailyProgressRpts), they will eventually need to be
upsized and archived (to make current db smaller). On your link, with
look-ups, the db will not be able to be upsized, which is a major concern to
me. Thus, returns us back to the original question, is there a different
aproach to the "look-up field"?

Thank you

 

[John W. Vinson]

is there a different
aproach to the "look-up field"?

Yes. The Relationships window. Click the toolbar that looks like three
datasheets with lines between them; add your tables; and drag the primary key
field from each "one" side table to the corresponding foreign key field in
each "many" side table.

Remove all your lookup fields FIRST or Access will actually create duplicate
invisible relationships for you!

John W. Vinson [MVP]

 

[Guest]

Ok, I get it. And then when making the Forms, change to fields to combo
boxes that are query based to add the data. Thank you

 

[John W. Vinson]

Ok, I get it. And then when making the Forms, change to fields to combo
boxes that are query based to add the data. Thank you

Exactly. The form toolbox Combo Wizard will do most of the work for you (and
is much less damaging than the Lookup Wizard).

John W. Vinson [MVP]