combobox default itemdata value

[Guest]

Hello,
I have an access 2000 form with comboboxes, that are bound to a
query that populates them with "Project names" from the table. The problem I
have is that we want to make the default item that shows in the combobox as
soon as the form is loaded as "-select project-"( to let the user know what
the function is"). Since it is bound to a query I have added that as a dummy
record in the table and pull it up by itemdata(index).. but I was wondering
if there was another efficient way to do it, since I don't like adding dummy
records to the table. I also tried to add it as cbo.itemdata(0) as in vb but
vba does not give me that option.

thanks
MC

 

[AlCamp]

MC,
Since "-select project-" is in the list (via your dummmy entry), you
could just use the DefaultValue for the combo. In the future, your .index
may change, and all you really need "-select project-" displayed for is
"New" records.

But... I really have to question using the bound control "displayed"
default value as a descriptive "pseudo-label". That's what labels are for.
Your combo should have it's own label like "Select Project:", and none of
these further machinations would be necessary. Displaying descriptive
text "in" bound controls can be very confusing to users, and adding a dummy
entry to a legitimate list of values, to work around the inherent problems
this creates, should tip you off that this method is not really the right
way to go.

hth
Al Camp

 

[Brendan Reynolds]

You can use a union query instead of adding the 'dummy' value to the table
....

SELECT "-select project-" FROM tblProjects
UNION SELECT ProjectName FROM tblProjects

I know this looks a little odd, as "-select project-" does not exist in the
table, but each SELECT in a Jet union query must have a FROM, and this
works.

--
Brendan Reynolds (MVP)
http://brenreyn.blogspot.com

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