MS ACCESS HELP! I'm not sure how to write expression. 2

[atxross]

Windows 2000, with Access 2000.

I would like to set a limit on characters for a field in my database to be no more than 5 and no less than 5 characters. This field is also my primary key. If I'm in Design view of the table, how can I write my expression to accept this reference?

Thanks ahead of time to all

 

[Dreamboat]

In the bottom of that window is a box.
Make sure you're on the General tab.
First item should be "Field size".
Just put a 5 in there.

Anne Troy
Way cool stuff:

http://www.cafeshops.com/OfficeExperts

 

[Jorgandr]

You want to do 3 things to force this and make it as easy to understand to the user as possible

1.)
set the Field Size property to 5 - This will limit the field size to 5 characters but it will NOT check whether the user is inputting 5 characters however it will ultimately reduce the size of your database.

2.)
set the Validation = Len([FieldName]) = 5 This will force the user to put in exactly 5 characters no more no less.

3.)
set the Validation text = "Your message here" ex. ("You must enter 5 characters. Please re-enter)

 

[Dreamboat]

Sorry. Good call, jorgandr. I didn't see the "and no less than 5" part.



Anne Troy
Way cool stuff:

http://www.cafeshops.com/OfficeExperts

 

[fneily]

Or set the field size to 5 as above and then for an input mask put

LLLLL this means a letter must be entered.
or
AAAAA this means a letter or number must be entered.

Input mask characters;

0 User must enter a number between 0 and 9
9 User can enter a number or a space, but entry is not required
# User can enter a number or a space. Entry not required, all blanks converted to space.
L User must enter a letter.
? User can enter a letter, but not required.
A user must enter either a letter or number.
a User can enter a letter or number but entry not required.
& User must enter a character or a space.
C User can enter a character or a space, but entry not required.
< Any letter that follows is converted to lowercase.
> Any letter that follows is converted to uppercase.

Neil

 

[Dreamboat]

Neil, that's even better. I don't believe in expressions and such when they're not required. I knew about the L and such, but forgot how/when/where it's used.

Anne Troy
Way cool stuff:

http://www.cafeshops.com/OfficeExperts

 

[Jorgandr]

Input masks are good except for the fact they do not give a very good explanation to the user if you do not enter in the required number of characters. With the Validation rule, you can insert your own message easily.