How to build a simple meny system in Access 2007

A

Android

Hello,

I have found lots of info on building tables, queries and reports.
However I can't seem to find info on how to build a simple menu
system.

Basically I want to present a menu to the user to find a record, add a
record, edit a record and delete a record.

Anyone aware of instructions on the online somewhere?

Regards....
 
L

Larry Linson

To accomplish what you want, a single form using the table, or a query
against the table, of interest as its record source, will allow you to enter
data or edit data. (The Form Wizard will help you create it.) You can find
the record using an unbound combo box (the Combo Box Wizard will lead you
through the process of creating this), or a few unbound combo boxes, in the
Form's header. You can navigate using the standard Navigation Controls --
that will let you move to a blank record to enter new data, or step to an
existing record if you want to scroll. Changes are automatically saved when
you move off the record, when you close the form, or when you explicitly
save. Command buttons, if you wish, will let you switch between edit and
new record mode, or delete the current record.

You won't need a menu for any of this (but you can create one, on your own,
if you wish, or use Command Bars, or customize the Access 2007 Ribbon).
Most people creating Access database use a "visual menu" called a
Switchboard (there's a Switchboard Manager, but most experienced users
ignore it and create their own with unbound forms and command buttons.

Larry Linson
Microsoft Office Access MVP
 
A

Albert D. Kallal

Android said:
Hello,

I have found lots of info on building tables, queries and reports.
However I can't seem to find info on how to build a simple menu
system.

Basically I want to present a menu to the user to find a record, add a
record, edit a record and delete a record.

Anyone aware of instructions on the online somewhere?

Regards....
Click to expand...

The general approach is to simply place some buttons on a form. I you use
the wizards, then that button can add a record, or delete the record. So, if
you just getting going on this, then try the wizards. And, for finding, the
usual approach is to have the user hit ctrl-f. Keep in mind that
adding/deleting etc can be done without you having to actually build that
part of the application (however, in most cases, I DO provide these
options).

Also, it is not 100% clear what you mean by "menu"? Do you want to create a
custom "ribbon", or simply present some options to the user? For example I
often need to present a user quite a few options for reports. Thus, I build
a form that allows the user to select options and then launch the report.
You could call that form a "menu" of options. Here is screen shots of what I
mean:

http://www.members.shaw.ca/AlbertKallal/ridesrpt/ridesrpt.html

So, if you need to add a delete record button, and an add button to your
form, then use the wizards. Open up your form in design mode, and then drop
a button on your form (but BEFORE you drop that button on the form, make
sure you enabled the wizard - make sure the "Use Control wizards" option is
selected).

So, often it just a series of forms that we launch one after another that
really makes up the "flow" or menu of the application. Also, try using a few
of the "sample" templates you see for ms-access. In those examples, they
simply place a few button accorss the top of the form, and again those
buttons simply make up a menu system. (they don't cascade like windows menu
bars..but, we usually don't have that many options anyway).

If you are in fact talking about building a custom menu system (a ribbon),
then that is somewhat advanced in ms-access. However, you can get started on
making/costuming ribbons here:

Customizing the Office Fluent User Interface in Access 2007
http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/bb187398.aspx

and

http://www.access-freak.com/tutorials.html#Tutorial05
 
A

Android

The general approach is to simply place some buttons on a form. I you use
the wizards, then that button can add a record, or delete the record. So,if
you just getting going on this, then try the wizards. And, for finding, the
usual approach is to have the user hit ctrl-f. Keep in mind that
adding/deleting etc can be done without you having to actually build that
part of the application (however, in most cases, I DO provide these
options).

Also, it is not 100% clear what you mean by "menu"? Do you want to createa
custom "ribbon", or simply present some options to the user? For example I
often need to present a user quite a few options for reports. Thus, I build
a form that allows the user to select options and then launch the report.
You could call that form a "menu" of options. Here is screen shots of what I
mean:

http://www.members.shaw.ca/AlbertKallal/ridesrpt/ridesrpt.html

So, if you need to add a delete record button, and an add button to your
form, then use the wizards. Open up your form in design mode, and then drop
a button on your form (but BEFORE you drop that button on the form, make
sure you enabled the wizard - make sure the "Use Control wizards" option is
selected).

So, often it just a series of forms that we launch one after another that
really makes up the "flow" or menu of the application. Also, try using a few
of the "sample" templates you see for ms-access. In those examples, they
simply place a few button accorss the top of the form, and again those
buttons simply make up a menu system. (they don't cascade like windows menu
bars..but, we usually don't have that many options anyway).

If you are in fact talking about building a custom menu system (a ribbon),
then that is somewhat advanced in ms-access. However, you can get startedon
making/costuming ribbons here:

Customizing the Office Fluent User Interface in Access 2007http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/bb187398.aspx

and

http://www.access-freak.com/tutorials.html#Tutorial05
Click to expand...

Thanks for this. It was helpful. Yes, I did mean a form based menu
(and not customizing the ribbon).

Regards..
 
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