I would like to use an input mask of DM03- and then append the auto number of my ID column. When I put DM03(id) in the input mask field, it converts it to dm"03-(I"d). What am I doing wrong??

At the table level, change the autonumber's field Format to:

"DM03-"&

That worked great except when the number exceeded 10. The field showed 1DM03-0 for 10 and 1DM03-1 for 11. Any ideas??

This thread (http://www.access-programmers.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=45181&highlight=%2Aautonumber%2A) is probbly a better help than me on the subject.

I think I fixed it. "DM03-"&& and the number format appears ok. Thanks for your help.

Just to complete the picture each time you get anther 0 on the end ie 100, 1000,10000 you need an additional & for it to work

ie for 100 it would be"DM03-"&&&
and for 1000 it becomes "DM03-"&&&&
etc

thanks i didnt know you could do that to an auto number sequence it will prove very useful i have just trialed the above on one DB i have with sevral 1000 entries

this is proving to be a very useful forum