features to avoid when starting fresh

[Kathy R.]

I'm finally updating an old membership database that I started years ago
in Access 95. I've decided to start from scratch because there are a
number of things that I didn't design correctly and I now have Access 2007.


I know that most of you recommend that Name AutoCorrect be turned off,
and that lookup fields in tables shouldn't be used, but I seem to recall
that there were two or three other "features" that should be avoided as
well.

Since I am drawing a blank as to what these features are called, I can't
search for information regarding them in these forums and I apologize
for asking something that I am sure has been discussed multiple times
before.

A quick, short (hopefully!) list would be very much appreciated.

Kathy

 

[John W. Vinson]

I'm finally updating an old membership database that I started years ago
in Access 95. I've decided to start from scratch because there are a
number of things that I didn't design correctly and I now have Access 2007.


I know that most of you recommend that Name AutoCorrect be turned off,
and that lookup fields in tables shouldn't be used, but I seem to recall
that there were two or three other "features" that should be avoided as
well.

Since I am drawing a blank as to what these features are called, I can't
search for information regarding them in these forums and I apologize
for asking something that I am sure has been discussed multiple times
before.

A quick, short (hopefully!) list would be very much appreciated.

Kathy

I'd avoid using Subdatasheets (or actually, I'd set the Subdatasheet
properties of all tables to [None] instead of Microsoft's default [Auto]).
Also (at least in 2003) there's a box on Tools... Options... Tables for "Auto
index on create/import" which puts (usually uneeded and excessive) indexes on
fieldnames based on the *field name*; I blank this box out and assign my own
indexes based on need, not on whether they happen to end in the letters "num".

 

[CrazyAccessProgrammer]

Uncheck 'Compile on Deman'

Get into the VBA editor.
Tools --> Options ---> General Tab
Uncheck, 'Compile on Demand'

 

[Fred Boer]

I remember trying to make a checklist for myself several years ago.. I'll
look for it.

But here's one off the top of my head: Access assigns a default value of
zero to number fields in tables - this can cause problems, so remember to
remove that default when creating number fields.

 

[Gina Whipp]

Fred,

FORTUNATELY, they removed that annoying little feature in Access 2007, as
well as, the Auto-counting if you start to type numbers in field and mouse
down.

--
Gina Whipp

"I feel I have been denied critical, need to know, information!" - Tremors
II

http://www.regina-whipp.com/index_files/TipList.htm

 

[Fred Boer]

Well, I found my list and my memory painted it as more than it was! So, I'll
leave it at the one suggestion - though I'd add that it would be worthwhile
to peruse what Allen Browne has written on his website about Access 2007 and
"Access Flaws".

Go to http://allenbrowne.com/tips.html

And, of course, Jeff's sites, which take you to all sorts of magical
information places!

http://www.accessmvp.com/JConrad/accessjunkie.html
http://accessjunkie.com/default.aspx

 

[Fred Boer]

Chuckle. Ok. Thanks Gina! How 'bout I just leave quietly now before I
embarrass myself any more?

 

[Gina Whipp]

Fred,

No need to go out with head hung low... How do you think I found out?

--
Gina Whipp

"I feel I have been denied critical, need to know, information!" - Tremors
II

http://www.regina-whipp.com/index_files/TipList.htm

 

[Fred Boer]

Oh, my head isn't hanging! Over the years I've looked foolish often enough -
I'm not the least bit worried about it at all.

What I'm *really* worried about is Jeff finding out that I made that mistake
about Access 2007! If he does, I'll be in for a stern lecture about getting
with the program and making some progress in learning Access 2007 inside and
out!

Cheers!

 

[Gina Whipp]

Better you then me... BIG I've had it for 5 months now and the ONLY
time I open it is when someone here posts something that I want to test or
find!

--
Gina Whipp

"I feel I have been denied critical, need to know, information!" - Tremors
II

http://www.regina-whipp.com/index_files/TipList.htm

 

[Kathy R.]

Thank you everyone! I've been lurking on these boards for years and the
help that you all give is awesome. I really appreciate it.

Kathy