Answer parameter with an existing field

[bflotim]

I have a field in a table that Utilizes a combo box that is populated by a
field in a separate table. Then I have another field that I want to be
populated similarly only filtered by the first field.

Example: Action (field), and SubAction (field).

Each Action has certain possible SubActions. I would like the SubAction
field to read what has been entered in the Action field and show the possible
SubAction responses in a ComboBox. I can use a query to populate the combo
box with all SubActions or I can use a parameter box to populate the
combobox. I want to use the Action field as the answer for the parameter
question without actually having to type it in. Can this be done?

 

[Jeff Boyce]

No, you don't! And no, it can't.

You've found one of the reasons why using the Lookup data type in MS Access
tables causes you (and those who will try to understand your application
later) headaches.

Access tables are "buckets o' data", but aren't that handy when it comes to
doing the kind of "lookup" you describe.

Access forms, on the other hand, have a rich event environment, and can
easily handle "cascading comboboxes" (what you seem to be describing).
Search on that term on-line and/or at mvps.org/access for ideas how to do
this.

And if you want to make your life easier, undo that "lookup" in the table
definition and have Access store (and display) the value from that other
table that points to the row in that table (i.e., that table's primary key
value).

Good luck!

Regards

Jeff Boyce
Microsoft Office/Access MVP