on a form i use it has a field for a case number which i would like to start with
01????
but when i move to the next field the 0
dissappears to leave 1????
does anyone know the answer please
i can't seem to find an answer in the ms access help files
cheers

In your table's design view, change the Format to 00. However, will this column ever go over 100? You might want to think out how it's going to look ahead of time (the above will allow 101, 999, 9999999 as well as 01-99).

HTH
David R

P.S. the help file you are looking for is titled Should I use a data display format or an input mask?'

[This message has been edited by David R (edited 11-29-2001).]

thanks for reply
tried what you said,but no luck
i must be doing something wrong
cheers

When you want to show numbers as fixed length strings with leading zeros, you need to use a Format() function in a query or the Format property of a control on a form or report. Just use as many zeros as you want the length to appear to be.

Format(YourField,"000000") shows 6 digits and will show 123 as 00123.