Dear Helen:
I expect you are referring to the way the datatypes are not always
what you want. As long as you use a make table query you are stuck
with this. Generally, using a make table query is a bad idea because
of the lack of such control.
Instead, create the table ahead of time with the datatypes you desire,
then use an append query instead. This is a few minutes extra work,
but gives you complete control.
Tom Ellison
Microsoft Access MVP
Ellison Enterprises - Your One Stop IT Experts
