Hi again,
There are a number of ways to go about this, some of
them very sophisticated, as you might gather from some of
the other discussions on this board. I like plain and
simple, so I'll outline the approach I would use, and you
can decide how to go from there.
First, create a switchboard form which will contain
command buttons to activate the search queries you'll
create below. This form is the one your users will see at
the beginning.
Next, build a set of queries, one for each search
parameter you want your users to choose from. In each of
the queries, enter a criterion statement appropriate for
the particular field the query will search on. For
example, the criterion statement for submitter might read:
Like "*" & [Enter submitter name desired] &"*"
This will alow the user to enter any part of the
submitter's name and find records containing that entry.
The queries should select all the same fields. Save these
queries with names similar to the search parameter they
use.
Next, design a form to display the output of one of the
queries. Include on the the form a Command Button which
uses Form Operations to Close the form. Save the form
with a name similar to the query it uses. Copy this form
as many times as you have queries, one form copy for each
query, naming each form copy similar to the query it will
be tied to. In design mode for each of the copies, change
the recordsource to its matching query and save the
changed design.
At this point, you could open any one of the forms and
it would activate its particular source query, asking the
user for input appropriate for that particular copy of the
form. The form would then display all records which
satisfy the user's input.
Next, back at the switchboard form, add command buttons
which will use Form Operations to open the forms you've
created. You can label the buttons with text appropriate
to the form it's tied to, or add labels beside the buttons
with that information. Each form will open according to
the selected switchboard button, the user will be prompted
for input, and the matching records will display. Because
you added a Close Form button when you designed the form,
the user can press that button to close the form and
return to the switchboard.
I realize this is a long discussion, and I hope I haven't
lost you. It's difficult to do without being able to show
each step along the way. If you're still with me, and
need explanation of parts of the above, post back with
specific questions. If I have lost you because of
unfamiliarity with Access tools, then you'll need to do
some experimenting with forms tied to queries, criteria
expressions, and so forth before returning to the problem.
On the other hand, if you're way ahead of me, then I yield
to better heads and encourage you to repost your question
looking for a more direct solution.
I'll be looking to see what's next.
-----Original Message-----
Thanks so much for your response, it was very helpful.
Unfortunately the users will be peopel not very familiar
with staff so I think command buttons may be the way to
go. Any help you can offer on that will be greatly
appreciated. Thanks again.
