No-Duplicates Field with a default? 1

[Xeseus]

I have a client who would like to, ideally, be able to have a field in a form that is required to be unique, yet is able to have a re-usable default value. For example, an I.D. field with a default option of "n/a". Now, of course, this is self-defeating and contradictory but I can think of at least one way to represent this sort of outcome in a report generated by a field on a form that is limited to unique values. For one, I could create a check box that could accompany the input field on the form that could be checked if "n/a" was to be outputted on the report, but this still requires that the data entry technician create a unique "dummy" ID number while adding the extra step of checking a box. Are there any other not-too-complicated alternatives to my solution?

 

[PHV]

In the table design view create an unique index (not allowing duplicates) ignoring null and be sure that the field allow null value but not empty string.
Then, for the report you'll use the Nz function:
Nz([your field], 'N/A')

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

 

[Xeseus]

That sounds very cool! I will give that a try and let you know how it goes! Thanks PHV!!!