How do I query about a person using only their name in Access?

[Guest]

I'm doing data entry for the Inn I live in which is using an Access database.
The problem I/We are having is the person whom set up this database for us no
longer works here and while I am an A+ technician, I'm not that profficient
in Access. I can enter the registration card data fine in the archive input,
and retrieve any person's info I want by "scrolling" the form. However, we
don't have the time to scroll through names at the front desk. We need to be
able to just type in ONLY the name, and retrieve the person's info (as long
as their in the database of course).
My question is: How do I, or better, which part/section of the database do I
have to have open, and what do I click on to be able to do this?
My job is riding on my finding the answer soon. Thank's.

Darkhorse

 

[Guest]

A quick, easy way would be to create a new form with a combo box on the
person's name. Then attach a sub-form with the remaining information you
want.

If the table(s) are put together correctly, should take you about 5 minutes.

 

[Guest]

Thank's, that's one idea but as I said, I'm not that good with Access. I
would need instruction on how to do what you reccommend. Also, there are now
over 2,000 names already in the database. Would I have to go back and dio
this to each name? I thank you for the help.

Darkhorse

 

[Guest]

Also, there are now over 2,000 names already in the database.

Not at all.

I'm not sure what to tell you. I don't think there is a quick-and-easy way
to walk you through building a form/sub-form, to do what you want. It would
take longer to write out the instructions than it would to actually build the
form.

If you check around (computer repair shops, perhaps) you can probably find
at least a casual Access user that can do this for you. Just make sure you
make a copy of the db before someone goes in and does any work on it.

Good luck.

Sharkbyte
(e-mail address removed)

 

[Guest]

Would I have to go back and dio this to each name?

This is what my "Not at all." response was aimed at.

Sharkbyte

 

[Guest]

Thank's man, I'll try and find someone or see if I can find some instructions
on it myself. Current copy of database made just yesterday as this is being
dione on my network then transferred to the computer out front periodically
Via "drag -n- drop" from CD. I've also been trying to get the person that set
this up to help me but he's hard to catch at home. I actuall thought it would
come down to my having to write something to make it as user friendly as they
need. Up front they are computer illiterate which makes my job that much
harder. I'll do what I can and, thanks a bunch for the info. I'm pointed in
the right direction now which I wasn't ten minutes ago!!

Darkhorse

 

[Guest]

My email address is: (e-mail address removed) , if anyone can help
me with this I'd greatly appreciate it. Thanks.

Darkhorse

 

[John Vinson]

I'm doing data entry for the Inn I live in which is using an Access database.
The problem I/We are having is the person whom set up this database for us no
longer works here and while I am an A+ technician, I'm not that profficient
in Access. I can enter the registration card data fine in the archive input,
and retrieve any person's info I want by "scrolling" the form. However, we
don't have the time to scroll through names at the front desk. We need to be
able to just type in ONLY the name, and retrieve the person's info (as long
as their in the database of course).
My question is: How do I, or better, which part/section of the database do I
have to have open, and what do I click on to be able to do this?
My job is riding on my finding the answer soon. Thank's.

Darkhorse

Do you have a Form for the data, or are you using the table datasheet
directly? A form is a *lot* better...

For one thing, you can open the Form in design view. On the Toolbox,
click the "magic wand" icon to make sure it's selected, and then
choose the "combo box" tool (hover the mouse over the tools to see
which is which).

Drag out a little rectangle where you want the combo box on the Form,
and choose the option "Use this combo box to select a record". The
Wizard will walk you through which field to use, etc.

When it's done you should have a dropdown list of all the names in the
database; when you select one of the names, it will jump to that
record.

John W. Vinson[MVP]

 

[Guest]

Thank's very much John, yes, I do have a form I enter the data on. This is
what I think I needed to know. I will backup Database and definately try this
later on tonight. I'll post a thread to let everyone know how I do with thier
ideas/suggestions. I will keep this threadgoing though to see what else is
suggested as I'm learning things I need know if I'm going to be using this
application. All the Inn's records are in Access databases and I'm the only
computer wizard they got, He, he. It's a wonder with all my experience with
computers (custom building, gameing machines, repair, upgrades, etc.) I've
never learned that much about Access. If it's really that easy to use,
I'dlike toknow more about the program. For now though I do all my personal
stuff in Excell and in Word. I can't thank you enough. All ofyou whom have
and are continuing to help me with this.

Darkhorse

 

[Guest]

John - do you have such a simple option for putting the combo box on a menu,
i.e. the combo box will relate to my list of contacts on one form, but be
placed on the menu, another form?