why are my sort buttons inactive?

[Guest]

When I open a table In Access 2002, the sort buttons are inactive, as are the
sort menu items. Is there something in the table properties I need to
change? It doesn't seem to matter if the db is in Access 2000 or 2002 format.

 

[Rick B]

Tables don't sort. A table is just a bucket to contain your data. To view
data in a particular order, use a query, form, or report. You should not
use your tables to view, edit, or add data.

--
Rick B

When I open a table In Access 2002, the sort buttons are inactive, as are the
sort menu items. Is there something in the table properties I need to
change? It doesn't seem to matter if the db is in Access 2000 or 2002

format.

 

[Guest]

I have sorted tables before in the table (i.e. without writing a query). You
can do a quick sort of your data so you can quickly go to whatever criteria
you're looking for in that specific field. I can't believe Microsoft has
gotten rid of this option. Anyone else got any advice?

 

[Rick B]

Yes, you CAN sort. I'm just saying you shouldn't. Typically, you should
not be in the tables after you get your database built.

The sort options are there. Is your cursor in a particular field when you
try to sort?

I can't duplicate making my sort buttons inactive.

 

[Guest]

I'm well aware of what you "should" & "shouldn't" do in tables. My problem
here is that my sort buttons are *not* there. The buttons and menu items
themselves are grayed out. They are inactive when I open a table and they
are inactive when I open a query. If anyone knows why this is (as opposed to
how things should be), please post a response. I don't know if it is a
database level thing or a table level thing, but any help would be appreciated

 

[Joseph Meehan]

I have sorted tables before in the table (i.e. without writing a
query). You can do a quick sort of your data so you can quickly go
to whatever criteria you're looking for in that specific field. I
can't believe Microsoft has gotten rid of this option. Anyone else
got any advice?

Don't know if 2003 can sort, but I still can in XP, however I suggest
you don't. Just get totally out of the habit of using the table for
anything other than storing data and defining fields.

 

[Guest]

Thanks for the tip, but I'm having this problem with queries as well. Does
anyone have any advice that doesn't follow in the 'just don't do that' vein?

 

[Dirk Goldgar]

When I open a table In Access 2002, the sort buttons are inactive, as
are the sort menu items. Is there something in the table properties
I need to change? It doesn't seem to matter if the db is in Access
2000 or 2002 format.

I've never heard of this problem. Does it happen for all databases?
Are the databases secured with workgroup security? Does the user you're
logged in as have design rights to the tables? Do you have full
permissions (Windows security permissions, I mean) on the folder
containing the database?

 

[tw]

If you have turned off you full menus and shortcuts on start up and have not
replaced the menus with custom menus that may be your problem. Although
doing that would take them away not inactivate them.
Check Tools | Start up

 

[Guest]

Not sure if this is the same...

I recently had a form that also would not allow me to sort. Turns out I had
some fields locked and disabled. Once I enabled and unlocked the fields, I
could sort again. I then re-locked and disabled the fields, saved, and it
worked. It was as if there was a hidden property set to 'don't allow him to
sort', but once I unlocked the fields it workd.

In the table design, do you have any of the fields set up to not allow
changes (other than the autonumbers, of course)?