Creating a search form for dummies?

D

Dedren

I have an office full of people who need a database but have never used
Access before... ever. Nor do they understand much about how computers
works. I have been given the task to create a simple filing system for the
investigations we have going on. I managed to create one with a month that
partially suits our needs. However the primary use for this database is the
ability to search AND sort by just about any field in the 3 or more tables,
while keeping it simple enough so a 9 year old or 90 year old in my case can
use it...

My idea is to create another form that they can enter in information, or
parts of information they want to search for that is identical to the form I
have created for them already. I would like to know how to go about this so
that the fields always match whatever they type in any part of the field.
Such as if you were to search for a filename and typed *temp*.* it would
bring up all files that had temp anywhere in the name. I have names of
people and entire memo fields as part of my current form as well as a case
number which autogenerates.

The final but most crucial part is to have all those matching records sorted
and listed themselves on another part of the screen by whatever sort criteria
they select. IE SS#,Case#,Lastname,OPEN/CLOSED,etc, etc

Also please keep in mind I also JUST started using Access one month ago, but
I have a good bit of background in programming.

Thank you in advance for the help.
 
R

Rick Brandt

Dedren said:
I have an office full of people who need a database but have never
used Access before... ever. Nor do they understand much about how
computers works. I have been given the task to create a simple
filing system for the investigations we have going on. I managed to
create one with a month that partially suits our needs. However the
primary use for this database is the ability to search AND sort by
just about any field in the 3 or more tables, while keeping it simple
enough so a 9 year old or 90 year old in my case can use it...

My idea is to create another form that they can enter in information,
or parts of information they want to search for that is identical to
the form I have created for them already. I would like to know how
to go about this so that the fields always match whatever they type
in any part of the field. Such as if you were to search for a
filename and typed *temp*.* it would bring up all files that had temp
anywhere in the name. I have names of people and entire memo fields
as part of my current form as well as a case number which
autogenerates.

The final but most crucial part is to have all those matching records
sorted and listed themselves on another part of the screen by
whatever sort criteria they select. IE
SS#,Case#,Lastname,OPEN/CLOSED,etc, etc

Also please keep in mind I also JUST started using Access one month
ago, but I have a good bit of background in programming.

Thank you in advance for the help.
Click to expand...

Check out the built in Filter-By-Form feature. It does a lot of what you are
describing right out of the box.
 
X

xRoachx

Hey Dedren, what you want to do is possible and doesn't require an expert.
However, it will require you to program using SQL and VBA. Rather then post
a lengthy explanation, I encourage you to visit the following site:

http://www.fontstuff.com/access/index.htm

He provides good information and it is very similar to what you want to do.
 
D

Dedren

The problem with the filter by forms feature is it requires you to have some
knowledge of menu navigation. The people I am designing it form have been
using pen and paper up till this day. Some of them never turn their computer
on for a whole week. And worst still some are resistant to change. Since I
am in no position to force them to work my way, I have to do something that
looks like a form they would fill out on paper. I was thinking of creating a
search button that takes them to another form where they can enter search
criteria. I will be reading over the web site above to see if that can be
done within a reasonable amount of time.
 
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