Linked table Combo Box Issues

  • Thread starter Thread starter als
  • Start date Start date
A

als

I have a .mbd file that I use for GIS. Since I do not want to
compromise the main file, I have linked it to a new mbd file that will
only be used in Microsoft Access.
The point of this is: Any updates made in the attributes table of the
GIS .mbd show up in the Access .mbd and vice versa. It is set up this
way so the "Non-GIS" users that need to access and edit the file are
able to without dealing with GIS.
My Problem: I created a combo box for my first field (which is named
address and is defined as text but the list is actually street numbers
which can have text with them like 442B) and it seems to work fine. it
show the dropdown with the numbers in that column. The rest of my
columns are text (like the street name0 but all the combo box will
show is numbers, starting at 1 and going down in order
(1,2,3,4,etc...)
I know that this is probably something easy to fix but I have looked
everywhere and cannot figure it out. Can someone Please Help???
 
I answered my own question but I sure hope there is an easier
solution.
I figured out that the combo box was only showing the results of the
first column. So for me to see the right column in the combo box I
needed to adjust the "column count" and "column widths"
my example:
column 1: column count=1 column width=1.5"
column 2: column count=2 column width=0";1.5"
column 3: column count=3 column width=0";0";1.5"
column 4: column count=4 column width=0";0";0";1.5"
etc...

Is this really the only way to do it? If so, it is very time
consuming. I have 40 columns and it won't let you copy and paste into
the lookup so i have to manually type all of those 0";
If someone could tell me if there is a more efficient way to do this !
would REALLY appreciate it!
Thanks!
 
I answered my own question but I sure hope there is an easier
solution.
I figured out that the combo box was only showing the results of the
first column. So for me to see the right column in the combo box I
needed to adjust the "column count" and "column widths"
my example:
column 1: column count=1 column width=1.5"
column 2: column count=2 column width=0";1.5"
column 3: column count=3 column width=0";0";1.5"
column 4: column count=4 column width=0";0";0";1.5"
etc...

Is this really the only way to do it? If so, it is very time
consuming. I have 40 columns and it won't let you copy and paste into
the lookup so i have to manually type all of those 0";
If someone could tell me if there is a more efficient way to do this !
would REALLY appreciate it!
Thanks!
Click to expand...

You can put a command button next to you control and from it pop-up a lookup
form using acDialog that shows everythingr you need to see. Put a command
button on the form to continue, and have it make the form invisible. Back on
the main form, read the values you need for your control and then close the
invisible pop-up form. I think this is a routine method.
 
You can put a command button next to you control and from it pop-up a lookup
form using acDialog that shows everythingr you need to see. Put a command
button on the form to continue, and have it make the form invisible. Back on
the main form, read the values you need for your control and then close the
invisible pop-up form. I think this is a routine method.
Click to expand...

Michael,
Thank you for your input. I am VERY new to using Access so any help
that you can give is helpful. I looked in the help menu on how to go
about putting a command button but I do not seem to have a "Controls
group" within my design tab. This could be that i just don't
understand what the "Controls Group" is and/or where it is located.
The help menu is not helpful when it comes to issues like this so if
you or anyone can help my ignorance it would be greatly appreciated!!
 
Michael,
Thank you for your input. I am VERY new to using Access so any help
that you can give is helpful. I looked in the help menu on how to go
about putting a command button but I do not seem to have a "Controls
group" within my design tab. This could be that i just don't
understand what the "Controls Group" is and/or where it is located.
The help menu is not helpful when it comes to issues like this so if
you or anyone can help my ignorance it would be greatly appreciated!!
Click to expand...

I am not sure what I can do for you. You mostly likely need a class on Access.
A command button is a type of object, just as a combox is an object. It is on
the toolbox that is called up from an icon on the form design toolbar. This
also requires a knowledge of VBA to make the command button do something.
 
Michael,
While I appreciate your feedback, a class is not an option. This is a
one time project.
I figured out that when you are working with a linked table there is
no "Controls Group" on the Design tab because you cannot edit the
properties of the data. If you create a form from the linked data you
have the "Controls Group" options.
It seems that there is quite a difference in the options allowed to
Linked tables and non-Linked tables...
 
Michael,
While I appreciate your feedback, a class is not an option. This is a
one time project.
I figured out that when you are working with a linked table there is
no "Controls Group" on the Design tab because you cannot edit the
properties of the data. If you create a form from the linked data you
have the "Controls Group" options.
It seems that there is quite a difference in the options allowed to
Linked tables and non-Linked tables...
Click to expand...

I'm sorry, I am lost. I thought you needed an alternative to a combo box with
40 columns. Maybe repost your question as a new topic so you can get other
responses.
 
Commenting a little on your structure, you should be aware that users can
still corrupt up your personal geodatabase from your linked database if they
edit the Shape categories.

Most people use Access forms to view and edit data. Using tables directly
is extremely dangerous because mass deleting data and fields (or attributes,
as you call them) is very easy.

Addressing your combobox issue, you need to create a form with the combobox
(you should do this using the wizard) and keep in mind what column you are
actually binding (storing in your table).

accesskastle
 
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