Enter data into field using combo box

S

Scott

I build an input form in which there are a number of fields using combo box
to enter the data, i.e., names, suppliers, etc. The combo boxes are linked
with a query before on a table. I have learnt this way to avoid storing
repeated data in a database but I notice that the database still store the
actual name in the field of each record. Can someone advise how to avoid
the repeated data to be stored in the database.

Thanks,

Scott
 
J

Jeff Boyce

Scott

Based on your description, I'm guessing that your underlying tables have
"lookup" datatype fields. These store one thing, but display another.

If you open one of these tables in design mode, select the "lookup" field,
click on the "Lookup" tab in the lower window, and change the "combo box" to
"text" or "number" or whatever type matches the primary key type of the
looked-up table, you'll have consistency in what's stored/displayed.

By the way, a LongInt number matches an Access Autonumber data type.

--
Regards

Jeff Boyce
Microsoft Office/Access MVP


Microsoft IT Academy Program Mentor
http://microsoftitacademy.com/

Microsoft Registered Partner
https://partner.microsoft.com/
 
S

Scott

Jeff,

Thanks for your advice.

The fields in primary table have text data type, not Lookup one. Currently,
under text data type, the Lookup tab shows:-

Display control = List box
Row source type = Table/Query
Row source = Supplier
Bound column = 1
Column count = 2

I did not make above change and just change the bounded text box on the form
to combo box. I guess once I change the form and the system changes the
table automatically on my Access 2003.

It seems I just use Lookup tables to help data input faster and accurate,
not store the points. Could you please advise how to change the design and
data in the database.

Thanks,

Scott
 
J

Jeff Boyce

Scott

Again, I'm interpreting between the lines...

It sounds like data entry is happening directly in the tables. I'll
recommend (and check the tablesdbdesign newsgroup for others'
recommendations) that you let Access tables be what they are, buckets o'
data, not data entry points. Instead, consider using forms to help
enter/edit data. And you can use a combobox in your form to do the
lookup...

--
Regards

Jeff Boyce
Microsoft Office/Access MVP


Microsoft IT Academy Program Mentor
http://microsoftitacademy.com/

Microsoft Registered Partner
https://partner.microsoft.com/
 
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