Error Message When entering data in parameter query (Access 2003)

[Guest]

When I create a Parameter [Category?], I want to be able to look up specific
category data. When the Parameter window pops up and I put in the
information, I get this error.

"This expression is typed incorrectly, or it is too complex to be evaluated.
For example, a numeric expression may contain too many complicated elements.
Try simplifying the expression by assigning parts of the expression to
variables. (Error 3071)"

I don't know what I'm doing wrong. Could it be I need to install another
update or I'm entering the values incorrectly. I am putting the brackets in
correctly and typing the data in correctly too.

Help .........thanks!

 

[Guest]

You know what? I found the answer! Since the field was a lookup , I had to
enter the ID# field to pull up the category. Is there another way? Thanks

 

[John W. Vinson]

You know what? I found the answer! Since the field was a lookup , I had to
enter the ID# field to pull up the category. Is there another way? Thanks

Hah. Another victim of Microsoft's misdesigned, misleading, obnoxious Lookup
Wizard.

One suggestion would be to use a Form to solicit the criterion, rather than a
prompt. Create a little form named (say) frmCrit, with a combo box based on a
query of your lookup table. The combo's bound column should be the concealed
ID, and its first visible column the human-readable lookup value.

Use a criterion of

=Forms!frmCrit!comboboxname

in your query, and launch the query - or much better, a Form or Report based
on the query - from a command button on frmCrit.

John W. Vinson [MVP]