Exclude spaces and symbols from text data type

[jocat]

I am updating a database that contains license plate numbers. A common data entry error is to include spaces or dashes in the license plate number. I want to format the text field in the table so the clerk cannot enter spaces or symbols in the field.

The field size is 8 characters. When I tried an input mask of AAAAAAAA all eight characters must be entered (some license plate numbers have less than eight characters). When I use aaaaaaaa there is still a chance that a space can be accidentally entered.

How can I format the field so that only letters and numbers can be entered, and not all of eight characters have to be entered.

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Joe

 

[Remou]

You can add a validation rule:

[tt]Not Like "* *" And Not Like "*-*"[/tt]

However, you mention 'table': all data entry should be via forms. There are a number of reasons for this rule and one of them is control of data. With a form, you can fully validate the license plate in a suitable event, Before Update, for example.

 

[jocat]

Now why didn't I think of that?

I keep telling them that I am overworked.

All if my input is through forms. I just didn't mention the form in my request.

Thanks!

Joe

 

[jocat]

One more question.

How do I exclude the bracket [ and the asterisk * .

it is not recognized when I insert Not Like "*[*.

Joe

 

[PHV]

Have you tried this (as explained in the VBA help) ?
Not Like "*[[]*

Hope This Helps, PH.
FAQ219-2884
FAQ181-2886

 

[jocat]

That did it.

Thank you, thank you, thank you!

Joe