Data Entry - Hyperlink Fields

[Alex E.]

Hallo,
I am working on a relatively simple contacts database. However, I have not much experience with data entry into Access (since it’s a volunteer assignment this has been accepted).

There are two hyperlink fields in my main table: Email address and Web Site. I have done some Google searches on the data type Hyperlink and got mostly leads that go to some length explaining the data type itself. But, there is next to nothing about data entry and potential problems from a user’s perspective.

Could someone please help me out with references (links) that explain the most common problems/ pitfalls encountered when doing data entry into Access hyperlink fields. In Excel it’s so easy but, for Access that seems not the case at all.

 

[Simon_MT]

I ignore hyperlink fields and do the links via VB:

Function Web_ArtistsOriginals()
    
    With CodeContextObject
        Dim WebLink As String
        WebLink = GetWebPathMaster & "Artists_Originals.aspx?Artist=" & .[Artist] & ""
        Application.FollowHyperlink WebLink, , True
        HideWebToolBar
    End With
End Function

Then have a Command Button to trigger the Link.

GetWebPathMaster prescribes the web site.

Simon

 

[Alex E.]

Hallo Simon,
can I copy and past this code as is and where would I paste it? I do not have a clue what it means or what it does - let alone making any adjustments.

Also, I am wondering if there are any input masks for hyperlink fields to ensure the user will enter a complete address ?

 

[Simon_MT]

You create a Module and on your form create a Button On Click Property:

=WebWhatEver()

The last bit is the Web Site, declared separately but once only.

Private Function GetWebPathMaster() As String
GetWebPathMaster = "[URL]http://www.whatever.com/[/URL]"
 
End Function

Simon

 

[Alex E.]

Hallo Simon

I believe my question is poorly worded.

Let me explain what I want to use the two fields for. Then it might become clearer what my worries are.

The email field will be used for:
(a)(Email) Mail Merge where MS Word directly accesses the data in Access
(b)Batches of Email from Outlook. The email addresses and few more fields are imported into an Outlook Folder. Word Mail Merge doesn’t allow Attachments. Therefore we have to switch between the two methods

The web addresses will serve mainly as a search tool to glean missing information from websites. Works well when you have two monitors side by side. The user brings up a record in Form View, clicks the web address and – hopefully – a website shows up.

Now back to my question:
(a)are there any input masks or validity checks available in Access to make sure complete addresses are entered the proper way ? There is only a finite number of email and website address formats.
(b)my Google search brought up disturbing hints such as: “ …. the text you believe is a hyperlink may only look like one. Click the (link) button to make sure.” So, what else can go wrong that I should know about.

Alex

 

[Simon_MT]

Email addresses can be country dependent with exceptions .com .co.uk etc so validating email addresses it rather fraught with difficulties and besides knowing whether or not the email is still valid is another problem.

Input on emails you could test for spaces and @, you could also create a Country table with the anticipated suffix you would expect.

Simon