Preserving input mask when using field in lookup for a second tabl

[tc2004]

I have a table (tbl_Demographics) which has the study ID and other
information on individuals. The study ID is of the form 2009-ABC-0001, the
field has an input mask (0000\-LLL\-0000;.

I would like to use the study ID in a second table (tbl_TestResults) which
has multiple records for each study ID (one to many relationship) and data
entry should be limited to study IDs which already exist in tbl_Demographics.

I created a lookup (Combo box, Table/Query, bound column: 1) from
tbl_TestResults to tbl_Demographics. However, the formatting dashes in the
study ID do not appear in tbl_TestResults. Not even if I copy the input mask
to the appropriate field in tbl_TestResult.

Is there a way to have the formatting in the second table? It makes it much
easier to pick the correct study ID when entering data.

Thanks.

 

[Arvin Meyer [MVP]]

Try rebuilding the input mask in your table using the text datatype, and the
Input Mask Wizard. One of the options is to save the extra characters. The
default is not to, so you'll need to change it.