Telephone # Input Mask Questions

[plantfinder]

I have 3 questions regarding input masks:

1)I want to have a mask that allows entry for phone #s with simple dashes, i.e 222-222-2222. This is not one of the options in the wizard but can someone tell me if this would be correct: !999"- "000\-0000\? The other issue is that I want to have room after that to add an optional extension like: 222-222-2222 ext.2222.I do not want to make that required or show the "ext." as part of the mask. Any help with this would be appreciated.

2)How should I deal with the data that already exists in the table? It is not uniform, as different people have typed in different formats. I don't want it to get all screwed up when I modify the format.

3) Is there and advantage to just using the mask in forms vs tables or vice a versa?

Thanks in advance

Mike

 

[fneily]

!000\-000\-0000;0;_

When you create the input mask, then go to datasheet view, it'll ask you to save the table again. When you do so, it'll change the data already there - if there's no strange phone number combinations.

Input masks on forms override input masks in table definitions.

 

[maxhugen]

G'day Mike

I'd suggest that you put the ext in a field of its own.

Also, I've found users don't like input masks; they're a nuisance if you use the mouse to click into the field, and happen to click in the middle of the mask.

Instead, I use a bit of code that first checks that there are the required number of digits (10 in your case) after stripping out anything non-numerical, and then formats it correctly. If there aren't 10 digits, you can popup a msgbox showing users the correct format.

Be aware though, that mobile numbers are increasingly being used, which have a diff. number of digits - but this can be handled in the code too.

Max Hugen
Australia

 

[fneily]

I agree with maxhugen, put ext in a field of its' own.

Also, if you want, on the On Enter event of the phone's textobx, you can put:

Private Sub phone_Enter()
Me![phone].SelStart = 0
End Sub

So when the user tabs or clicks into the box, the cursor will be at the far left.