setting a two field key

[dennist685]

I know I've asked this question befoe and find it amazing that I haven't an
answer yet. One last attempt. How do I set both fields in a two field table
as the key index. The answers I got refer to icons on the screen that just
don't appear for me in access 2007.

For those of us who use access as a database design tool for a net
application, it is a regression over 2003. I'm seriously considering
uninstalling 20007 and reinstalling 2003. Except you never know how fast
support for 2003 will disappear.

dennist

 

[Allen Browne]

dennist, I have answered this question at least 2ce in the last couple of
weeks.

I explained how to select both fields together (using the "record selector
at left), and click the Key icon on the toolbar/ribbon in table design.

I also explained that if you can't see that, you can do it with the Indexes
dialog.

Since you seem to be unable to find either way, here's a screen shot:
http://allenbrowne.com/temp/2FieldKey.png

It illustrates:
a) the 2 fields selected at once;
b) the Primary Key icon on the ribbon in Access 2007;
c) the settings in the Indexes dialog for the alternative approach.

 

[dennist685]

I see that my problem is my fields are linear and not columnar. How do I get
them columnar.

dennnist685

 

[Allen Browne]

I don't understand what you mean by linear.

If they are non-contiguous, key them into the Indexes dialog. We usually use
PrimaryKey (without a space) for the index name, but it's not crucial. Leave
the Index name column blank on the 2nd row: that's how you indicate that the
2nd field is part of the same index as named on the previous row. But the
screenshot shows all that.

 

[dennist685]

I mean the fields are in a line, not in a stack. They are ordered
horizontally, not vertically

dennist

 

[Allen Browne]

If you see the fields side by side, then you are not in Table Design view.

Use the left-most item on the ribbon to switch to design view.

Alternatively, right-click the table in the Navigation Pane, and choose
Design View.

 

[RoyVidar]

I mean the fields are in a line, not in a stack. They are ordered
horizontally, not vertically

dennist

You are probably in datasheet view, but need design view. I don't have
2007 (yet), but in Allen Brownes sample figure, find the view button,
hit the arrow on it, and see if there's something called "design view".

 

[dennist685]

aha, eureka. I foundd it.

If you see the fields side by side, then you are not in Table Design view.

Use the left-most item on the ribbon to switch to design view.

Alternatively, right-click the table in the Navigation Pane, and choose
Design View.