Text as Input for Parameter Queries]

[JerSand]

I have been given an Access database consisting of one table. There are 10 fields, eight of which are text or memo.

The person who collected the data would like an interface that would permit users to search for phrases or words that the users would type into a dialogue box. Upon receiving this text, the application would return -- as a report or a table -- all the records that contain the text.

I do not know VBA. It seemed to me that this task would best be approached by simply creating a query containing pertinent fields, enter "*[Please enter the text for which you are searching]" into the criteria cell(s), and launch the query.

I won't go into the details of my so-far dismal results, and I'll keep reading and trying. HOWEVER, I'd be grateful for anyone's ideas on the best way to approach this task. My Rube Goldberg devices often end-up working, but I'd prefer trying something suggested by an expert.

Thanks.

JerSand

 

[jrbarnett]

if you are using Access XP (2002) there is a find function that can limit down to particular fields - 2000 and 97 have this but it doesn't let you filter down to field level.
Press Ctrl F to open the window or choose Edit menu and find.

John

 

[JerSand]

Thanks, John. Your method should prove useful. I'm grateful. I'm especially grateful inasmuch as it's the only response so far.

Yesterday, I discovered the "Access Cookbook" (authors: Getz, Litwin, & Baron; Publisher: O'Reilly), and found that pages 289-293 are devoted to this problem. Apparently, there's no solving it without wrestling with it through VBA, so I'm going to try to apply their example.

Thanks again for your suggestion. It works -- the cardinal virtue here -- and I'll be sure to let the users of my database know about it.

JerSand

 

[pweegar]

You could also create a parameterized query, using the key word as the parameter. And as part of the parameter, include a list of keywords that need to be searched for.

 

[JerSand]

Thanks for the suggestion, pweegar. I'll pursue it.

JerSand