query searches excluding input strings

[IcePak]

Hello.

My second posting of the day is in regards to exlcuding certain entries by means of a query. After searching this forum, I came across the <> operator.

This allowed me to run a query that would exlude all entries containing a inputted word. The only problem is that it will only return entries that dont have the word character by character.

What I mean is that I want it to search a field for let's say &quot;hello&quot; and exclude that entry whether the corresponding cell has &quot;hello&quot; or &quot;xhellox&quot; or &quot;hello goodbye&quot;.

Now I know how do this to include it.
You use the Like &quot;*&quot; & [Form]![Formname]![InputText] & &quot;*&quot; statement.
I just can't find a (easy) way to incorporate that methodology with the exclusion one.

I obtain syntax errors when trying to combine <> and Like &quot;*&quot;.

Any help would be grand, thanks.
Mike

 

[tlbroadbent]

Try the INSTR function. It searches for a string in a string or column. If not found, it returns zero.

Select * From TableName
Where INSTR(ColName,&quot;hello&quot=0 Terry L. Broadbent
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NOTE: Reference to the FAQ is not directed at any individual.

 

[tlbroadbent]

I forgot to mention that you can also use NOT LIKE.

Select * From TableName
Where ColName Not Like &quot;*hello*&quot; Terry L. Broadbent
FAQ183-874 contains tips for posting questions in these forums.
NOTE: Reference to the FAQ is not directed at any individual.