word wrapping in text fields for Access?

[Guest]

We would like to change the current operation of our forms in our Access
database, from (8) feature description text boxes (labelled: feat_desc1,
feat_desc2, .... through 8) that are separate lines, limited to 180 character
limit (because cannot wordwrap and need for it to print out a uniform,
well-spaced, limited form) as can be seen in this screenshot:
(go to link below)
Is there anyway to make it a single text box labelled feat_desc1 (instead of
8 text boxes), that will word wrap, or at least allow each line to be 180
characters, so that when we print the form we can have it picture perfect
with spacing and alignment? Right now data entry is tedious because the data
enterer has to remember to stop entering the description at 180 characters,
then has to tab to the next line, and limit that to 180 characters, and so
on. If the description is longer than 8 lines, they have to enter in another
data form called a continuation form, and do the exact same thing there.

Any suggestions?

Any scripts or codes to insert in to make this change?

How will it affect an already data-rich database going from 8 feat_desc
lines to just one?


For details and screenshots of my problem I'm trying to solve, please visit
here:
http://www.technogypsie.com/fwforwebsite/questions.html

Thanks, Tom

 

[Ron2006]

Have you tried to use a memo field which automatically word wraps both
on input and when it is printed in a report.

 

[Guest]

Hi Ron -
that works however, I'm dumbfounded how to set the character length
restriction so that it prints perfectly (need to set it to maximum 4400
characters) so that it prints on one page. Also, since the database was
already created by someone else and has already 2000+ entries, how do I merge
the txtfeat_desc1 (thru txtfeat_desc8) fields into simply txtfeat_desc1? Or
do I have to go back through all those entries and manually merge them in
order to get rid of them?
Thanks,
Tom

 

[Ron2006]

For the max characters, in the before update event put a test
if len(me.myfullmessagename) > 4400 then
msgbox "Message exceeds 4400 characters and will NOT be
saved"
docmd.cancelevent ' I believe it is that
endif

for the older entries.

1) add the memo field to the table definition and save
2) change all relavent forms and reports to use the new field.
3) write update query that makes
myfullmessagename = txtbx1 & " " & txtbx2 & " " & you get
the point.

4) test
5) if updates have been done between 3 and the completion of 4 then run
3 again
6) immediately implement new mdb

Remember,
A) since access is doing the wrapping now, some of the older messages
will not print quite the same but they will wordwrap.

At some point after this is done then you can change the definition and
delete the txt box fields.

Obvioiusly keep and maintain backups of both FE and BE before that
final steps (especially the FE). It will not be easy to go back but
could if it was absolutely necessary.

Ron