Input Masks & LookUp fields – don’t play well together.

[Steve C]

May I ask you gentlemen please if there is a solution to this?

In Table “Points” a field name “PointGridAToZMap” has a LookUp to another Table “Grids” field name “GridAToZMap”

The Input Mask for both fields is.

0>L\ 099

As you know, this Mask places a spacebar near the middle of the data which makes it easier to read, saves remembering to type the spacebar.

As I now understand it, the Input Mask in field PointGridAToZMap cannot possibly work – and, in fact, does nothing. So I have to type the spacebar in PointGridAToZMap.

Is there a solution which means I can keep the appearance of a spacebar without having to type one?

I’m sorry this is such a small question. As you can imagine, I’m fairly piqued that I didn’t figure out an Input Mask wouldn’t work before keying in 3500 different Grid references!

Lastly, it has to be a LookUp because in the Table Grids, there is another field (“GridPremierMap”) and I want that data too returned on Forms without keying it.

Thank you in advance.

Steve C

 

[Pat Hartman]

It absolutely does NOT have to be a lookup in the table. Use a form in datasheet view. That will give you the lookup and even look like you're working directly with the table but you won't be. You should never be entering/editing data directly in tables. Using table level lookups simply does NOT work. And as you should have discovered, you can't use an input mask with a table level lookup.

 

[Alansidman]

In addition to Pat's comments, look at this site which will give you several reasons to not use lookups in tables.

http://access.mvps.org/access/lookupfields.htm

 

[Steve C]

Thanks Pat.

I haven't learned about Forms properly yet, I'll do that next.

Thanks Alan

I need some time to understand your link.

I'm getting some really great help from you gentlemen - I really apreciate it, thanks again

 

[Steve C]

WOW!

I had the wizard create a Form from fields in the Table Points and some from the Table Grids and it worked straightaway! I've never seen a Form in Datasheet View before.

Was poking around in your Link Alan.
At the bit "hide a table in a database window" figuring I don't want to be ever working in the Grids Table directly, I added a prefix to the Table name to read UsysGrids and it duly disappeared, but, there's not a "view, options, show systems ojects", option!

Perhaps I don't have all the access features loaded on my desktop (I'll check that). but it doesn't matter (for now) I had a backup copy. Phew!

Perhaps I should have used the Properties of the Table to be Hidden.

Anyways, thanks again gentlemen

 

[Pat Hartman]

Right-click at the top of the nav pane. Open the options. Check the show hidden objects box.