Changing the input mask

[clodagh]

The database has already been created here for some time, to add a new client, users click on the app button and enter the relevant info, the client number has an input mask of 555 followed be 6 other numbers.
I want to change this input mask to 55 followed by 7 other numbers. I have not used access in quite some time and seem to have forgotten how to do this! I opened the the table called client number, where no client is the primary key. The input mask is set to "555"000000;0;, I tried to change this to "55"0000000;0;, save the change, and then open the database as usual, except that when I try to add a new client, I am still forced to use the 555. I thougt that with the changes I made to the input mask that I would now be forced to enter 55, but it seems not!
I'd really like some help?
Thanking you

 

[FoxProProgrammer]

The field in the form where you enter the client number probably has a mask. To check, open the Form, click on the control in question, open the Properties, click on the Data tab, and see if the mask is in the Input Mask property.

dz

 

[clodagh]

dz thanks a million!That was exactly it! I've changed the input mask in the form, will I still have to change the input mask in the field client number???

 

[FoxProProgrammer]

The mask in the table specifies how data will be displayed if you open the table and look at it. This can be different from how the same data is displayed on a form. The Input Mask property of a Form control specifies how the data will be displayed on the form. Based on what you described, I would think that you could remove the table mask entirely and it wouldn't cause any problems. If you view the data in the table itself, then set the mask to the same as the form. A mask doesn't change the data. It only changes the way it is viewed.

 

[WildHare]

The Input Mask property of a Form control specifies how the data will be displayed on the form

Well, kinda almost. Input Masks ALWAYS, and ONLY control INPUT of data - they don't necessarily have any effect on OUTPUT, which can be totally different.

I'd suggest taking the mask OFF the form, and leaving it ONLY on the table - then, it will be in effect whenever and wherever you enter data, be it from the datasheet itself, a form or whatever.

If you remove it from the table, you'd need to make sure you INCLUDE it in any kind of input process.

It's usually advised to place metadata at the table level if it applies globally.

How many of you believe in telekinesis? Raise my hand...
Another free Access forum:

http://www.forumco.com/jmhare

More Access stuff at

http://www.jmhare.com/wildhare2.htm

 

[clodagh]

Thanks a million for all your help!