I just opened the Access Program today for the first time after receiving my Video Professor Learning CD's. I want to do something that sounds very simple but I don't see it specifically listed in the CD package.

I want to make a telephone list with nothing but phone numbers on it (no names or anything else)...one column only. What I need Access to do is to alert me if I enter a phone number that is already entered. I'm almost embarrassed to ask.... :confused: Can this be done? If so how? With thanks, Rosey

Hi Rosey,

The easiest way is to nominate that one column, or field, as the primary key. Do you know how to do that? It should ask when you run the table design wizard.

By making it the primary key, each record must be unique, and therefore cannot be duplicated.

Alternatively, in the design table area, you will find a parameter of "Indexed". If you set this as Yes(No Duplicates) that will achieve the same result.

There are other ways, but these two are nice, quick and simple.

Cheers,

Alan

go to the design view of your table click on your phone field, and in the lower pane of your screen, there is an option called "Indexed" ... from the drop down box next to it, choose "Yes (No Duplicates)"

Thanks Alan,

I have never worked with Excel or Access before so I am totally lost but I will go and have a look and try to do what you said. Wow that was fast, I posted 10 minutes ago and have an answer already! TTFN, Rosey

:) go to the design view of your table click on your phone field, and in the lower pane of your screen, there is an option called "Indexed" ... from the drop down box next to it, choose "Yes (No Duplicates)"

Thanks Max!

you're welcome :)