Input mask problem

[Design by Sue]

I have read that folks that really know how to program Access don't like input masks but I am only a basic programmer so I am hoping someone can help me out of a situation.

The input mask I am using is >L>L>L"-"aaaaa"-v"00 This produces a number such as AAA-3d45T-v00. The mask "layout" is exactly what I need to limit the user to using and produces the correct look for the item number. (3 capital letters - up to 5 digits or letters or blanks 1 v and 2 digits) Problem is that the - (dashes) and the v (small letter v) that need to be in each of the items numbers doesn't appear in the table when the record is saved. My example is recorded as AAA3d45T00. I need the - and the -v to appear in the table as part of the item number. If I put the input mask as part of the table it appears in the table correctly but when it is used as a control source for such as a combo box, it appears without the - and the -v.

I can't change the format of these items - they must appear this way.

What can I do to get the entire item number to appear in the table and throughout the other forms and reports? Please if you have any ideas let me know. I have to deliver this database on Tuesday early AM!

Thanks
Sue

 

[gemma-the-husky]

can you not use the same format mask in any form that presents the data?

consider the actual storage as differnet from the presentation of the data

of course - the other, and maybe better treatment could be to split the serial number into 3 bits - but this is more work than just to reformat it where you need to

 

[spikepl]

When in doubt look in the documentation! Google works in your area too, hopefully

Just a little bit of googling brings up this: http://pcmcourseware.com/blog/2008/09/16/creating-an-input-mask-in-access-2007/ read it carefully and your question will be answered.

 

[Design by Sue]

When in doubt look in the documentation! Google works in your area too, hopefully

Just a little bit of googling brings up this: http://pcmcourseware.com/blog/2008/09/16/creating-an-input-mask-in-access-2007/ read it carefully and your question will be answered.

I take your comment as humor, not antagonistic - I did research, I do every time I post a question, and keep searching until I find the answer or someone posts the answer and if I find it before someone posts I always come back and give the answer I found. Problem was that all of the results I looked at didn't have the Part 2 and 3 mentioned in your link. SO thank you a million times over. You solved the problem (and I have created a bookmark to remind me the next time I have this issue.)

Sue