Its better to use the inequality operator <>, so in the criteria row:
<> "CRY"
If its possible the column could be empty (Null) in any rows in the table,
and you also want those rows returned, put the following on the next criteria
row down:
Is Null
criteria on separate rows in query design view equate to an OR operation.
This is because Null is neither equal or unequal to anything, so Null <>
"CRY" in fact evaluates to Null, not to True and the row would not be
returned. This why Is Null must be used to test for Null.
To display only those which are CRY just put "CRY" in the criteria row and
omit the Is Null from the second row.
The Like operator is for pattern searching, and is used with wildcard
characters, e.g.
Like "*CRY*"
would find CRY, cryogenic, lacrymal (yes it’s a real word, a variation of
the more common lachrymal), decry etc. It would also find "Don't cry for me
Argentina", "Cry me a river" etc., i.e anything which includes "cry" either
as a word or part of a word.
Ken Sheridan
Stafford, England