Help, Please !!!!

rodrigcz

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Hello all,
So let me preface this by saying I have no Access experience other than setting up a couple tables and linking relationships in my computer literacy class.
My problem is that my boss wants to create an interactive database that will be used as a request log database. Basically she wants used to be able to open the database, which will open a switchboard and they will click the submit a request button. She wants that to open a form, and fill out the form and submit it.
I have the switchboard and form created with all the appropriate tables. My problems are…
1) How to make certain fields required? For instance if the user selects the “Denied” request button, she wants the “Comments” box to be required.
2) How do I create a report of all the pending requests?
3) Is there a way to link Access with Outlook and have an email sent to the person who the request is assigned to?
4) How can I set up a box to be auto generated with the date that the form is being submitted?
5) How do I make the database go “Live”? In other words, she wants it so when the users click on the icon which will be located on their desk top, the only option they will have is “Submit a Request” or “Exit”. She doesn’t want them to be able to get into all of the information that’s in the database.
I realize these are a lot of questions, but frankly my manager told me that the information is out there on google, I just have to find it. Now let me also say that I have done some research and what it seems is that most of these things require writing code, which might as well be in Chinese because I have absolutely no idea how to do that. Any help or suggestions that can be given are more than appreciated.
Thank you.
Chris.
 
Good day rodrigcz,

In response to Question 1) to make certain fields required you will need to do that at the table level. In the design view of the table select the field you want to be required and set that fields required property to Yes.

In response to Question 2) without knowing the specific details of what it is you want to report on providing guidance on how to do it is somewhat difficult, but having said that have you tried creating any reports off the cuff so to speak, or you could put down on pape exactly what it is you want from your reports and then set about creating them, you can always pop back to the forum and ask questions as you go along.

In response to Question 3) yes you can get Access to send emails via outlook, there are plenty of examples of how that has been acheived in this forum, you just need to search for it.

In response to Question 4) I'm not clear on what it is you want here, a bit more information might be helpful.

In response to Question 5) I don't think you need to worry about that part just yet as you've got a lot to do before you get to that stage and once your finally ready you can always come back to the forum and ask questions that a number of excellent experts here far better than I who can provide advice, pointers and even help you with that aspect.

Regards

John
 
Chris

I suggest that the Boss buys you a book that has some Tutorals.

My first book was Access for Dummies 97. I still have it and have refered to it many times. But I did not have the internet then.

You can Google for Access Tutorals. There is one written by Crystal. I hear it is good but have not gone through it.

Add that to the information you receive here will see you through.
 
Number 4
I'm guessing you want a field to store the date the request was submitted?

If that is the case you need a field in your table that has the date added to it when someone submits the form.

So click button which submits a form AND enters the date in a field?

It's easy, but it uses code. Lots of what you outline below does.

The theory behind what you want here is a line of code in the AfterUpdate property of your submission button.

The line of code would look something like :

Code:
Me!LastUpdate = Now()

Where Me!LastUpdate references the field name on your form and now() put the date and time in the field.

Looking at what you've been asked to do, I would say you have been thrown on at the deep end!!
 
Chris, by the time I was composing a huge reply to answer, John, RainLover and Tallbloke had already given more info.. :) So I am hoping you will find much guidance..

So my conclusion here is, take one step at a time.. All your requests are individual tasks, not tedious, but require some time.. so learn Access.. Learn VBA.. If you stumble upon something, just post back people will help you find your way.. :)
 
Chris, by the time I was composing a huge reply to answer, John, RainLover and Tallbloke had already given more info.. :) So I am hoping you will find much guidance..

So my conclusion here is, take one step at a time.. All your requests are individual tasks, not tedious, but require some time.. so learn Access.. Learn VBA.. If you stumble upon something, just post back people will help you find your way.. :)

Paul

You could rewrite the whole thing. That is almost what the OP is asking.

People keep saying Access is a Toy. They get a bit surprised when they realise it is more than a fancy Spread Sheet.

Trust you are well.

Des
 
Paul

You could rewrite the whole thing. That is almost what the OP is asking.

People keep saying Access is a Toy. They get a bit surprised when they realise it is more than a fancy Spread Sheet.
Well Rain, I am just going to say the same stuff over again, but hope it help Chris.. ;)
Trust you are well.

Des
Am doing well, Thank you.. :) Hope it is the same with you..
1) How to make certain fields required? For instance if the user selects the “Denied” request button, she wants the “Comments” box to be required.
In response to Question 1) to make certain fields required you will need to do that at the table level. In the design view of the table select the field you want to be required and set that fields required property to Yes.
Well that is one method, but in your case this might not be the appropriate solution, because Comments need to be only 'REQUIRED' if the status is denied, so you have to handle that exception inside a Form_BeforeUpdate() event.. Instead of having the denied as a button you can use ComboBox (whihc I prefer) or Option Group.. So it will be easier to handle the code.. something like..
Code:
Private Sub Form_BeforeUpdate(Cancel As Integer)
    If Me.statusControlName = "Denied" Then
        If Len(Me.commentsControlName & vbNullString) = 0 Then
            Call MsgBox("Comments are not optional, Please enter appropriate comments")
            Me.commentsControlName.SetFocus
            Cancel = True
        End If
    End If
End Sub
2) How do I create a report of all the pending requests?
As JohnLee has answered, without specific details it is hard to answer, but it should simple, create a Query using the Query wizard. Select all data that you want and then go to the design view (or select Modify the Query at the last step in the Query wizard). Go to the field that has the Status, under Criteria just add "Pending" (something along the line) and save it. To create it as a report, just use the report wizard and its data source be the query you just created.
3) Is there a way to link Access with Outlook and have an email sent to the person who the request is assigned to?
This is totally possible, but involes a bit of coding.. You have to create an Outlook object, and then open the record source to email.. Well there are plenty of Threads right here on this forum that will help you with that.. Here is ONE simple code, that should help you get started.
4) How can I set up a box to be auto generated with the date that the form is being submitted?
As TallBloke has replied that is how you need to do it.. you can add this line of code in the Form_BeforeUpdate() method, that is the very last method that is triggered before an update ia actually performed.. One small change would be use Date() instead of Now() if you want only the Date to be stored, this is only because if in future you have to compare the field with a date.. As Date()<>Now(), Now holds the time value with it..
5) How do I make the database go “Live”? In other words, she wants it so when the users click on the icon which will be located on their desk top, the only option they will have is “Submit a Request” or “Exit”. She doesn’t want them to be able to get into all of the information that’s in the database.
There is a long way to go before that.. For now concentrate on the first four requirements..
I realize these are a lot of questions, but frankly my manager told me that the information is out there on google, I just have to find it. Now let me also say that I have done some research and what it seems is that most of these things require writing code, which might as well be in Chinese because I have absolutely no idea how to do that. Any help or suggestions that can be given are more than appreciated.
Thank you.
Chris.
As mentioned earlier Chris, one baby step at a time.. Trust me you will be there in no time if you properly understand how this all works.. Since you are just starting, make your basics like Normalization, Relationships, Naming conventions, Coding practices etc. strong that will help you a lot in future..

Google is our best friend make use of it.. As for us, we will try to help you the best as we could.. :)
 

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