Is there a "Perfect" beginners reference?

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Nashville DAS

I've been reading the forums regularly and have even gotten a number of
questions answered (for which I am extremely grateful!) but, it seems, as I
get answers to each question ten more questions pop up to fill the void...

I'm not a programmer and have no real wish to be. Although there are
times...but, no. I'm an operator who sees the potential of this application
and wishes to make use of it. I see references to SQL that I fear I will
eventually have to come to understand but I resist as best I can.

I feel comfortable with all of the basic functions, wizards, editors,
macros, relationships, etc, but I now realize that as I understand more I
want to do more. (is that like, "...absolute power corrupts, absolutely."?)
Such as:

1. changing Query criteria "on the fly" - from a button form
2. changing Text Field Default Values "on the fly" - from a button form
3. once you create a "startup" form and de-select all those pesky check
boxes, how do you get back to the editors if you want to tweak the sucker?

I don't mind reading the references, in fact it's fun to scan through them
and see what's possible, but the help index in Access doesn't really offer
specific functions, it expects that you already know far more than I do.

What's the "perfect" reference? More than one? - name them all.

Thanks.
 
1. changing Query criteria "on the fly" - from a button form
2. changing Text Field Default Values "on the fly" - from a button form
3. once you create a "startup" form and de-select all those pesky check
boxes, how do you get back to the editors if you want to tweak the sucker?

I don't mind reading the references, in fact it's fun to scan through them
and see what's possible, but the help index in Access doesn't really offer
specific functions, it expects that you already know far more than I do.
Click to expand...

If you want to delve deeper, look in the properties sheet of a text field on
one of your forms. On that sheet are a lot of properties and events. If you
click on an event box (the ones that start with On....) an ellipses should
show up on the right, click them, then a box shows up - select code builder.
Now a new window will open, and you're into a new world - a programmer's
world ;-/

For instance (might not be exact - off the top of my head)
sub cmdChange_Click
Me!txtCriteria.text = "the new default"
end sub

Press F2 to find out which events and methods are now available, and help
adds new dimensions. I only suggest this way, because you sound like you
don't mind jumping off the deep end. After touring around there a couple of
times, you should have a good idea of what you need the reference to cover.
HTH
Marc
 
Here's a quick answer to question #3 below: Press and hold the SHIFT key as
you open the database file. That will prevent your startup form from loading
and allow you to go back and "tweak the sucker."

Concerning the question of the "perfect" beginners reference, I don't think
there's any such thing (and you don't sound like a "beginner" any more
anyway). But here is what I wrote a few days ago when someone else asked
about a good book on Access:

The book I would recommend is *Mastering Access 2002
Premium Edition* by Alan Simpson and Celeste Robinson (Sybex), available on
Amazon.com (where you can browse the Table of Contents). Simpson is a true
database guru and a superb author whose hallmark is clarity and
thoroughness. The book's "Access in an Evening" chapter is the perfect jump
start. The "Understanding Databases" chapter is a brief but useful overview
of database design. The remaining chapters take you through all the features
of Access and will likely answer any questions you have for a long time.
Make your way through this book and you will be ready to tackle more
advanced books like Alison Balter's *Mastering Access Development* (SAMS).

DDM
"DDM's Microsoft Office Tips and Tricks"
http://ddmara.tripod.com
 
Thanks DDM. I've used Sybex for other things and I really like their
formats. I'll go - a - shopping today.

Thanks Marc. I've been in the "programming area" that you mentioned before
but confess have had little success getting it to do what I think it should
be doing - maybe one of us needs some behavioral adjusment, lol.

I'll review the DDM recomended reference(s) and attack the Programming ASAP

Thanks again to both of you. Hopefully this will help others too.
 
Marc,

I had some time today to look into Code Builder and as best I can tell this
(your example) allows me to alter the set Default Value (as entered into the
table:text field:details) by clicking or double clicking etc, into another
preset value. That's a neat trick but I already have this text box
associated to a Combo Box/drop down list which works just fine.

I should have given more info...

What I want to accomplish, if possible, is going from a text box on a form
directly into the Table:Text Field:Detail:"Default Value" and change it
there.
The purpose being that this database could be used by 30 to 40 individuals
nationally, all of whose names are included in the "UserName" Query but one
field in particular will theoretically never have to be changed from it's
default value except for the first time I deliver the DB to each person. I'd
like a simple way for them to change that default name, once, without having
to call me... hence, the text/combo box on the form. I could just make the
change directly prior to sending them the CD but that requires a
mess-o-editing and frankly I'm already flat-screen-bug-eyed from building
the thing. OK, I'm lazy.

I suspect that Code Builder is the right place to be but that I need to tap
the Tables specific Text Field Default Value somehow and associate it to ...
what, another small table? ooh, this is why I'm not a programmer.

Thanks again for the help.

=============================================

On another note, I found an ugly way around Query Criteria change....

The fields that I needed to change allowed me to filter a report my Month
and by Year. This is imperative to keep my subsequent report from being All
Encompassing!
First I created a pair of empty tables called FalseMonth and FalseYear.
Enter no data in them. Then I opened "Expression Builder" for the respective
Criteria and selected Table:False<>:False<>

in the Criteria the Expression looked like this:
[FalseMontrh]![FalseMonth]

[FalseYear]![FalseYear]

Now, anytime I try to open the Query I get a prompt to enter a Month
followed by a Year.

Oh, it's ugly but it gets the report right.

I wish there was a better way! Simpler, cleaner.... While this works it does
Open the Query which is unnecessary and it requires me to explain it's
purpose to others which is uncomfortable and, well, it just doesn't feel
right.
 
I've been reading the forums regularly and have even gotten a number of
questions answered (for which I am extremely grateful!) but, it seems, as I
get answers to each question ten more questions pop up to fill the void...
Click to expand...

Old Sufi story:

A man wandered the Earth searching for The Perfect Teacher. He found
many self-proclaimed Teachers and Gurus and Masters, but all of them
failed in some way; many were outright frauds.

Finally he found a man who seemed in every way to meet his demanding
criteria. "Are you The Perfect Teacher?" he asked; "why yes, I am" was
the reply. "Please then - take me as your student!"

"Alas, I cannot; for I can teach only The Perfect Student!"

More on point: the "perfect" reference for you may be quite different
than the perfect reference for someone else. Everybody has a different
learning style, a different level of pre-existing experience, their
own set of misconceptions which need to be unlearned. In addition to
the several good book suggestions in this thread, I'd suggest going to
a good bookstore (surely there's a Borders or BookSmart in Nashville),
sit down in the aisle with the Access books, and look through a bunch
of them. Check the writing style; check the index (if you want a
reference you need one you can USE as a reference!); try to use the
book to solve some nontrivial problem (say, a combo box dependent on
another combo box). You may not find the perfect book for you, but you
should be able to find the optimum book!
 
John exactly what I was going to suggest, I found a good, but not perfect book at Barnes and Nobles. If it was perfect I wouldn't have to look here every now and then to get answers.

I would also like to recommend, to the financially challenged community, teachers get paid in wooden nickels, a local library. You can check out a book for 2 weeks or so while you are designing and save yourself the cost of the book

Mastering Access 2002 is around $40 on Amazon, plus shipping. I have that at our library for free

Just a tip

Ri

----- John Vinson wrote: ----

On Mon, 29 Mar 2004 07:24:02 -0600, "Nashville DAS
I've been reading the forums regularly and have even gotten a number o
questions answered (for which I am extremely grateful!) but, it seems, as
get answers to each question ten more questions pop up to fill the void..
Click to expand...

Old Sufi story

A man wandered the Earth searching for The Perfect Teacher. He foun
many self-proclaimed Teachers and Gurus and Masters, but all of the
failed in some way; many were outright frauds

Finally he found a man who seemed in every way to meet his demandin
criteria. "Are you The Perfect Teacher?" he asked; "why yes, I am" wa
the reply. "Please then - take me as your student!

"Alas, I cannot; for I can teach only The Perfect Student!

More on point: the "perfect" reference for you may be quite differen
than the perfect reference for someone else. Everybody has a differen
learning style, a different level of pre-existing experience, thei
own set of misconceptions which need to be unlearned. In addition t
the several good book suggestions in this thread, I'd suggest going t
a good bookstore (surely there's a Borders or BookSmart in Nashville)
sit down in the aisle with the Access books, and look through a bunc
of them. Check the writing style; check the index (if you want
reference you need one you can USE as a reference!); try to use th
book to solve some nontrivial problem (say, a combo box dependent o
another combo box). You may not find the perfect book for you, but yo
should be able to find the optimum book

John W. Vinson[MVP]
Come for live chats every Tuesday and Thursday
http://go.compuserve.com/msdevapps?loc=us&access=publi
 
Nashville DAS said:
Marc,

I had some time today to look into Code Builder and as best I can tell this
(your example) allows me to alter the set Default Value (as entered into the
table:text field:details) by clicking or double clicking etc, into another
preset value. That's a neat trick but I already have this text box
associated to a Combo Box/drop down list which works just fine.

I should have given more info...

What I want to accomplish, if possible, is going from a text box on a form
directly into the Table:Text Field:Detail:"Default Value" and change it
there.
The purpose being that this database could be used by 30 to 40 individuals
nationally, all of whose names are included in the "UserName" Query but one
field in particular will theoretically never have to be changed from it's
default value except for the first time I deliver the DB to each person. I'd
like a simple way for them to change that default name, once, without having
to call me... hence, the text/combo box on the form. I could just make the
change directly prior to sending them the CD but that requires a
mess-o-editing and frankly I'm already flat-screen-bug-eyed from building
the thing. OK, I'm lazy.

I suspect that Code Builder is the right place to be but that I need to tap
the Tables specific Text Field Default Value somehow and associate it to ....
what, another small table? ooh, this is why I'm not a programmer.

Thanks again for the help.
Click to expand...
Ok, that you need is recordsets. You're right up to getting into the code
builder. Then you need to go to Tools->References. Ensure either DAO or ADO
library is ticked. I once knew the relative merits, but use ADO unless
maintaining older databases.

Go into help - enter " update recordsets" and an example will come up.
basically the syntax I gave you will change to

rsMyRecordset!myfield = Me!txtNewName.txt
=============================================

On another note, I found an ugly way around Query Criteria change....

The fields that I needed to change allowed me to filter a report my Month
and by Year. This is imperative to keep my subsequent report from being All
Encompassing!
First I created a pair of empty tables called FalseMonth and FalseYear.
Enter no data in them. Then I opened "Expression Builder" for the respective
Criteria and selected Table:False<>:False<>

in the Criteria the Expression looked like this:
[FalseMontrh]![FalseMonth]

[FalseYear]![FalseYear]

Now, anytime I try to open the Query I get a prompt to enter a Month
followed by a Year.

Oh, it's ugly but it gets the report right.

I wish there was a better way! Simpler, cleaner.... While this works it does
Open the Query which is unnecessary and it requires me to explain it's
purpose to others which is uncomfortable and, well, it just doesn't feel
right.
Click to expand...

Know that feeling.

There is a better way.
You have the Enter criteria form
You have the show data form with the query as the form's record source
You have an open form event.
In there you put syntax that goes like:

Me!FilterOn = true
Me!Filter = "[monthstart] = Forms!MyEnterform!StartMonth AND _
[yearstart] = Forms!MyEnterform!StartYear

HTH
Marc
 
I would also like to recommend, to the financially challenged community, teachers get paid in wooden nickels, a local library. You can check out a book for 2 weeks or so while you are designing and save yourself the cost of the book.
Click to expand...

A good library is a precious thing to find, indeed!

"Librarians are the Secret Masters of the Universe. They control
information. Don't EVER p*** one off!" - Spider Robinson

If your local library doesn't have one, check around for a local
Access (or Windows) developer's group. It's quite possible that you
would be able to borrow a copy of (say) the Access Developer's
Handbook (two 1200 page volumes, $60 each, worth a cool grand easy)
from another developer who has a copy. It shouldn't be necessary to
provide more than two children as hostages if the other person is at
all reasonable... <g>
 
All excellent thoughts, thanks.

I'm starting with "Microsoft Access2002 Inside Out". I looked at Waldens and
Books-a-Million and Barnes and Noble and this seemed to be the best
available reference. Many of the others mentioned weren't on-hand.

The problem is, and what I really need at this stage in my development, that
there doesn't seem to be a universal "Example Browser" - a database (pardon
the reference) showing all the "tricks" everyone has ever used or thought of
using that I can pull from. Often the reference materials only show you
concepts and single basic examples.
Take my desire to change the Query Criteria on the fly - If I had a month,
uninterupted, with unlimited reference materials to focus on this problem I
feel comfortable saying that either I'd solve the problem or I'd know why it
can't be solved but I don't have that kind of time (does anyone) and it
doesn't seem right to have to beg strangers for help when, and you'd think
MS would appreciate this from a sales perspective, the answers should be
readily available... but where are they?
Two issues I deal with in brokering information in my job:
1. The information must be available somewhere - Where?
2. Surely I'm not the first person to need this information - Who knows it?

Finding those sources...well, that's the trick, huh?

Back to the Query Criteria issue - I've scanned a dozen different very very
very thick manuals and spotted nothing that even slightly hints at the
possibility. Obviously I'm looking in the wrong kind of manuals or it can't
be done. Maybe I need "deeper" references, Developers Guides, Programmers
manuals, SQL... I don't even know where to look. And, there's always the
possibility that no-one has ever needed to do this before... Let the fun
begin.

Mommy.

Is the pub open?

Thanks All.
 
Is the pub open? Not here yet
Click to expand...

Have you looked at the Sales Reports Dialog in the Northwind database?

query "on the fly" "MS Access" "start date"
the above line in google gives you 132 references - at least half the first
page seem relevant, and another dozen in the groups area.

And in case you missed my earlier reply:
--------------------------------------------------------------
There is a better way.

You have the Enter criteria form
new-> You have a query - no criteria that you want to change on the fly.
You have the show data form or a report with the query as the form's record
source
You have an open form event.

In there you put syntax that goes like:

Me!FilterOn = true
Me!Filter = "[monthstart] = Forms!MyEnterform!StartMonth AND _
[yearstart] = Forms!MyEnterform!StartYear
 
Thanks Marc, I did indeed miss your previous response. Thanks for your
patience.

Anybody wanna develop a wizard for junk like this? to please impatient
mental cases such as I?

Thanks for letting me rant. It's Tuesday Morning, the Caffeine hasn't kicked
in yet, and I am at peace...


Marc said:
Is the pub open? Not here yet
Click to expand...

Have you looked at the Sales Reports Dialog in the Northwind database?

query "on the fly" "MS Access" "start date"
the above line in google gives you 132 references - at least half the first
page seem relevant, and another dozen in the groups area.

And in case you missed my earlier reply:
--------------------------------------------------------------
There is a better way.

You have the Enter criteria form
new-> You have a query - no criteria that you want to change on the fly.
You have the show data form or a report with the query as the form's record
source
You have an open form event.

In there you put syntax that goes like:

Me!FilterOn = true
Me!Filter = "[monthstart] = Forms!MyEnterform!StartMonth AND _
[yearstart] = Forms!MyEnterform!StartYear
Click to expand...
 
Hello,
I have joined in hopes of getting some help. I have been given some
tasks at my work that involve programming in Access 2002. Needless to
say I have never really programed anything except DOS many years ago.
My problem is I don't understand the concepts enough to get started.
Like how do you identify the various modules? or How do you know what
to declare in the Declaration statements at the beginning of the
program? I tried to pick up some pointers from a kid at work but he no
longer works at the same place. What would be a good book for self
teaching that would cover this material? I will be going to scholl in
the fall but I need to start programming within the month. Any
suggestions short of quitting my job would be of great help. I already
thought of that.

Thanks
Tom T.
 
Tom,

as someone in a similar boat, I'll sum up...(which seems somehow ironic)

Step one - go to the library(ies) and look over all the available references
to try and find one or two formats that appeal to you.

Step two - (if, like me, you have a need to write in the book and you'll
want to purchase it therefore, and you won't ever buy it until you can see
it) begin to shop around at local book stores and don't forget Amazon.com as
there you can get used versions for nearly half price.

If your library has few refences to choose from, go to book stores like
Barnes and Noble and Borders where you can sit and really read through the
various books available before you buy - and there are many (my search took
me to the pages of over twenty different books from publishers like
Microsoft, Sams, Sybex, and Que)

In my case I had an immediate need and my company reimbursed me so cost was
a minor issue but some of these books can cost more than $60.00, so don't be
afraid to shop!

I hope that helps.
 
Tom Timms said:
Hello,
I have joined in hopes of getting some help. I have been given some
tasks at my work that involve programming in Access 2002. Needless to
say I have never really programed anything except DOS many years ago.
My problem is I don't understand the concepts enough to get started.
Like how do you identify the various modules? or How do you know what
to declare in the Declaration statements at the beginning of the
program? I tried to pick up some pointers from a kid at work but he no
longer works at the same place. What would be a good book for self
teaching that would cover this material? I will be going to scholl in
the fall but I need to start programming within the month. Any
suggestions short of quitting my job would be of great help. I already
thought of that.

Thanks
Tom T.
Click to expand...
Hi,
Go through the example that comes with Access 2002. Do a search for
Northwind.mdb. Unless you elected not to instal samples, you should find
this db and 2 or 3 others. They cover most of the basics to get a
straightforward system together. Once you've worked through them, you should
know where you need help.
Marc
 
at some point in my endless searching for ACCESS examples, I stumbled upon a download that actually had several different forms etc that were examples of various things I never would have thought to do in ACCESS. It was pretty cool. I don't use Access all that much but have been given some tasks at work lateley that will cause me to start developing a database or two. I THOUGHT I got the examples from the mircrosfot site, but I looked and cannot find them. A google search for "ACCESS EXAMPLES" brought up some interesting stuff, maybe you will find something there to help. Sorry I haven't been a whole lot of assistance but I will see if I can figure out where I got my examples when I get home
 
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