find duplicates query

[lance]

I have set up a mailing list data base in access. I am a novice. I don't
want to enter duplicate information in my mailing list, so I set up a Find
Duplicates Query using the wizard. Now I don't know how to use it nad I
don't have time to sit through a tutorial. Can anyone help? Thanks, Lance

 

[John W. Vinson]

I have set up a mailing list data base in access. I am a novice. I don't
want to enter duplicate information in my mailing list, so I set up a Find
Duplicates Query using the wizard. Now I don't know how to use it nad I
don't have time to sit through a tutorial. Can anyone help? Thanks, Lance

A Find Duplicates query does just that: it finds existing duplicates in the
table that you already have created. To use it, doubleclick on the query; it
will open and show the duplicates.

If you don't have any data (or any duplicates) in the table it won't show you
anything.

Having a Find Duplicates query will not prevent new duplicates from being
added. To do so, create a unique Index on your table on the combination of
fields which constitute a duplicate. This can be difficult with mailing list
data - "Jim Johnson" and "James Johnson" might be the same person, but "Jim
Johnson" and "Jim Johnson" at the same address might be father and son; "312
8th St." and "312 Eighth St." and "312 Eighth Street" are NOT duplicates as
far as Access is concerned.