Access Lookup Field

[Delinda]

Is it possible to create a field in an Access table that will lookup a value based on the value of another field. This would be similar to a vlookup in lotus?

Thanks

 

[JoeMiller]

Do you mean a combobox where you click a drop down error and are presented with a list of values? If so in design view of your table, click on the field you want to put the combobox in and in the datatype dropdown select Lookup Wizard... This will help you set up what you're looking for.

HTH
Joe Miller
joe.miller@flotech.net

 

[Delinda]

Actually I was looking for a solution that would automatically updated a field when another field was input...Thanks

 

[PamelaG]

Hi Delinda!

As you move into data storage in relational databases as opposed to spreadsheets, there are some adjustments you have to make in how you know to do things!

What Joe is telling you is that you want to just relate the two records, not copy the data from one record into another. Yes, that is what you have to do in a spreadsheet, but never in a database! In a relational database, each value is stored once, not over and over again.

There are some rules for data storage that you need to learn. They are called Normal Forms, although that is kind of a scary term, so forget learning it! But you do have to learn the "rules"! You might try Michael Hernandez' book Database Design for Mere Mortals. He lays out the issues pretty well.

If you want more specific help on your data structure, post a list of your tables here and we can have a look!

Pamela

http://www.accessinsight.com

 

[Delinda]

I suspect that the problem that I'm having has been misinterpreted. I am very familiar with relational databases and how they work however this is not a case where it would be applicable. I guess what I was looking for is an update query that would happen at the point of data entry. Thanks for your response.

 

[Telsa]

If you connect your table to a form, then in the form, you can have the main field be coded with an AfterUpdate event to run a Dlookup function to update a different field.

Is that what you are talking about?

 

[Guest_imported]

Yes thanks!