Helpppppppp

[asdasd]

Hi. I just started my temporary job at a law firm and I'm stuck. They've asked me to design a database for their clients and required information using Microsoft Access. I'm not too familiar with this software, so I'm stuck on what to do next.

Basically, I've made a draft version to test out. But it's being too specific, we want it so that if you input one or more fields, the other fields become filled up with it as well, so they can search for the specific case they want by inputting different information in different fields. Get it?

We want it to be like in M$ Excel, when you use the AutoFilter and click on Custom and then with the criteria "containing" such and such information. Access is being way too specific.

Any help is much appreciated, thanks.

 

[ejstefl]

I suggest you start by doing a search for "normalization" and read all you can. Expecting Access to behave like Excel is not realistic. They are different programs that are designed to do different tasks. I'd also suggest that you read this article about when to use Access vs Excel.

 

[KeithG]

You should give us more details on what your requirments are?

 

[asdasd]

Requirements? O.k. Our boss is expecting us to

a.) Create a database containing information for each of his cases in his law firm, so there is easier access to case records and parties. This shouldn't be a problem

b.) Create some sort of polished form, (but not too polished, just passable) so that all he or his staff needs to do, is to enter one or more fields of information and the database will slowly narrow down until he gets the case he wants.

May I ask what is "normalization"?

We can use Excel's Custom Autofilter, but it looks too raw. Any ideas? Appreciate the input.

N.B: If you can, try and download the draft .zip file I uploaded in the first post, it contains the fields that I need to work with, just ignore the silly data names.

 

[asdasd]

Please, any reply would be helpful.

 

[ejstefl]

Have you searched for "normalization"? That is going to be your first step in building this database. The way you have the tables laid out are not normalized. You really need to ask yourself what you hope to achieve by using Access instead of Excel. Did you read the article I linked to? If so, do you still wish to use Access?

The first thing you'll need to do is normalize your data. Again, do a search, as there is plenty of material out there.