Modify a date with an input mask

[Guest]

I have Access 97 and there are several date fields that have input masks
applied. It seems that once a date is entered into the field, the user
cannot just modify a single number within the date. I find that the user must
completely delete the date, exit the field and re-enter the field and re-type
the entire date. Many of these also have time involved so it isn't the ideal
situation.

Is there a work around? I saw a humorous response to a post that said
"input mask are best left blank". If that is true, how can you control/help
users entering dates/times?

Thanks

 

[Rick B]

In my opnion, there is really no need for an input mask in a date field.
Most users are familiar with date fields and understand that entering the
date separated by dashes or slashes, with a four-digit year, or a two-digit
year, with leading zeros or without are all accepted by Access. The only
thing a mask will do is let the user skip the separators and enter a
six-digit numeric entry. Most people enter the separators out of habit, so
this is really not needed.

Just my opinion, but I don't use masks for date fields.

Rick B

 

[Chris Reveille]

This happens when the input mask is different than the
format. Make sure they arfe the same
ex.
format Input mask display
m/d/yy or mm/dd/yy 99/99/00;0;_ 5/4/05
m/d/yyyy or mm/dd/yyyy 99/99/0000;0;_ 5/4/2005

Chris

 

[Guest]

Thank you Chris! It worked splendidly. Rick, unfortunately, I do have some
picky users that don't want to type the separators.