Help with searching

[Ravislayer]

I want to create a keyword search for a database. Queries do not allow this and i do not know any SQL, HELP!

 

[dcx693]

Queries do not allow this

What exactly do you need to search for and what is your table structure? Investigate the user of the Instr() function and Like operator.

 

[Ravislayer]

I have 4 linked tables, each of which have a keywords field. (The 4 tables are necessary for other reasons). I am trying to get a crosstab query to work so that instead of having a previously defined query, a user can type what they want to look for in the database

 

[dcx693]

I am trying to get a crosstab query to work so that instead of having a previously defined query, a user can type what they want to look for in the database

Do you mean a "parameter" query, where the user gets prompted to type in something?

I have 4 linked tables

Do you mean the tables are "joined" in the same query view? If so, you can create a parameter query that will prompt you once, but display records that have the search text in any of those 4 fields.

 

[Ravislayer]

I have 4 tables linked by foreign key fields

A parameter query sounds correct, how do I go about setting one up? I am using Access 2002

 

[dcx693]

You should check out the Access help. I'm running on an Access 97 machine right now (and I know from experience that the Access 2002 help system is not nearly as navigatable), but try looking up the topic "Create a parameter query that prompts for criteria each time it's run", or if you want to have the user enter their search criteria into a form instead, try looking this up: "Create a parameter query that gets criteria from a custom dialog box".

 

[Ravislayer]

have tried but ur right the navigation is impossible, will look again, many thanks