Sorting in Access

[LaWanda]

I have a database that consists of 821 names. The database is alphabetized
up to number 721. I even went back to ensure everything was formatted the
same way (i.e., telephone numbers, zip codes, etc.)

What did I do wrong?

 

[Arvin Meyer [MVP]]

Access is an indexed sequential access method (ISAM) database, which means
it stored records as they are entered. Obviously, the first 721 records were
entered in order. Use a query to sort your records any way you want.

 

[tedmi]

Databases are not alphabetized. Queries are. You need to write a query to
retrieve your data, and it must include an ORDER BY clause.

 

[John W. Vinson]

I have a database that consists of 821 names. The database is alphabetized
up to number 721. I even went back to ensure everything was formatted the
same way (i.e., telephone numbers, zip codes, etc.)

What did I do wrong?

Assumed that a table has a defined order.

A Table should be viewed as an unordered "bag" of records. If you want to see
the records in alphabetical (or in zipcode, or phone number, or any other)
order, you must - no option!! - create a Query sorting by the desired field.

Such a query will still be editable and can be used as the recordsource for a
Form; on a Report you can use the report's "Sorting and Grouping" window to
specify the desired sort order.

 

[David W. Fenton]

Access is an indexed sequential access method (ISAM) database,
which means it stored records as they are entered. Obviously, the
first 721 records were entered in order. Use a query to sort your
records any way you want.

Well, not exactly. If you define a primary key and compact your
database, it's rewritten in PK order (i.e., clustered index).