how to set active field when a form is first opened

[katherine25]

When opening one of the main forms in my database, i am immediately brought to the last name field which is changeable. this causes many errors and often results in the name being erased, etc since there are multiple users who do not realize that this is where the cursor is. I cannot lock that field since it needs to be edited on occasion and because new clients are added in through this form. I would like the form to open so that the cursor is on an inactive button (a descriptive button in the header box perhaps?) that cannot lead to unwanted data changes. is this possible?

 

[INeedAccessHelp]

Place this code in your Form_Open event.

[CommandButtonName].SetFocus

 

[maverick]

I would also make it go to NEW RECORD just in case they still don't get it

HTH

 

[tlbroadbent]

Here is another tip that may be helpful.

In form design mode, select "Tab Order" from the View menu. You can manually set the tab order of controls on the form or use "Auto Order" to set it. Doing this sets the "Tab Index" value for the controls. When the form opens, the enabled control with the lowest "Tab Index" value should get focus.

You can also set the "Tab Index" value in the control properties. Terry

;-) The single biggest challenge to learning SQL programming is unlearning procedural programming. -Joe Celko

SQL Article links:

http://members.home.net/tlbroadbent/sqlarticles.htm

 

[AArt]

If you set the tab stop to No for this particular field, then the user can not TAB to it. They would have to click on it on purpose to edit it. This might cut down on "accidental" edits.

 

[tlbroadbent]

Good point, AArt. Terry

;-) The single biggest challenge to learning SQL programming is unlearning procedural programming. -Joe Celko

SQL Article links:

http://members.home.net/tlbroadbent/sqlarticles.htm