Linked tables new to Access

[Guest]

I am creating a data base to store information on workplace chemicals. I
have a table with several fields including manufacturer. I have that field
linked to a table with manufacturer info. such as name, address, telephone
etc. The manufacturer field on the first table has a drop down so I can
select a manufacturer's name from the second table.

If I add a new manufacturer to the second table the name doesn't appear on
the drop down on the first table unless I unlink and then link t hem again.

Will someone tell me a better way? Thanks!

 

[Guest]

Hi,
You need to build a "relationship" between the tblChemicals & the
tblManufacturers.
This involves adding a entry to the chemicals tables of ManID -
manufacturers ID which would an Integer and a "Key" field in the
Manufacturers that is an integer non repeatable.
The data you add to the manufacturer table would only need to link to a
number in the chemicals table and this way you are certain you will never get
a duplicated name - say 2 manufacturers call Smith - this way one
manufacturer (Smith) would be 16 and the next Smith would be say 31.
Look up the help in Access on relationships and Key fields it will be really
useful if begin to understand some of the theory.
Good luck