Help wanted with creating an invoice 'button'

[Stroud1977]

Hi Everyone,

I'm currently starting a small entertainments agency based in the UK and I'm trying to build a database to help me run it.
Access is great, but it has my head spinning at times and the truth is I really don't know what I'm doing and could do with some help. I thought it would be sensible to join up here and see if I can get some advice.

I've created a simple database, with tables, forms etc but I've got stuck when I've tried to insert a 'Button' onto the HOME page which when pressed will display an invoice and give you the option of emailing to client or printing.

I think I've gotten messed up in my relationships or the macros which I've copied from another access template.

on the home screen, I click 'new quote' then 'view quote' when the window pops up and then when it tries to generate the invoice I get the error

'an action query cannot be used as a row source'

I'm in way over my head guys. Any help would be most appreciated!

Cheers

Steve

ps. I've put a copy of the database in my dropbox if anyone wanted to have a look at it, but because I'm new here I'm not allowed to share links. I'll gladly email if anyone wanted me to.

 

[bob fitz]

I think you may be able to attach your db to a post here if you zip the file.

 

[Stroud1977]

I think you may be able to attach your db to a post here if you zip the file.

Hi Bob, Thanks for the reply!

I tried that and it still wouldn't let me upload. I think the box said an access upload couldn't be bigger than 2mb and my zipped db is 11mb.

 

[Stroud1977]

I've raised my post count slightly so I'm able to add a link to my dropbox.
If anyone is up for helping, then I'd be eternally grateful.

https://www.dropbox.com/s/lx9ixwauwwzc9ux/River City Entertainments Database - NEW.zip

 

[jdraw]

I opened your database, selected the default name and entered 5 when asked for Quantity.
The result is in the attached jpg.

There are no instructions for how to use your database, so if what I did wasn't the proper thing, then please add some instructions somewhere.

I am attaching this link to assist you with debugging, Chip is well respected and his site has several facts and samples of debugging techniques for vba.

http://www.cpearson.com/excel/DebuggingVBA.aspx

You could also Google error handling in msaccess

I did not attempt to go deeper with debugging since there were no instructions for operation and no expectations identified.

Good luck.

 

[Stroud1977]

Hi, Thanks for the feedback!

Yes, I get those errors too when I open it. I've just been clicking 'ok' to get through them with the half brained idea that I'll solve that error later! (after the invoice button).
Apologies for not warning you about the error. The database is, as you can see 'all over the place', but I feel that if I can get the button sorted I can hopefully fix the rest myself.

Apologies again, I may be going about this all wrong!

Thanks for taking the time to comment.

Steve

 

[jdraw]

Steve,

Where exactly did the database come from? I see pieces of Northwind Traders and all sorts of objects that are probably not written by you.

It is not a common approach to start with a button (Invoice button).
Normally you would start with a 4 or 5 line description of you "business issue/opportunity". Then identify the entities(things) and attributes(characteristics) and then relationships between the things. Getting your tables designed and relationships set up to support your business is critical. This approach will reduce your work around and debugging effort.

Good luck with your project.

 

[Stroud1977]

Thanks for the reply.

It's a combination of the North wind template, a service template and the rest I've just added myself.

I'm not surprised that it's an unusual way of working with access as I'm a complete novice.

I'll keep trying to fix the errors and the invoice button.

Thanks for taking the time to reply.

Steve

 

[Stroud1977]

Took your advice, I've started again clean from scratch and have now got the email quote button working fine.

Cheers!

Steve