linking tables within the same database

[cillaknight]

I have a basic database with several tables. I need to link a table with account information (Dues table)to the main database. Basically the Dues table is used as a spreadsheet. I need to link them so as members are added to the main database they are also added to the Dues table. The Dues table just has the Key, First Name, Last Name, and fields for date paids, and amount paids. I've tried several methods to accomplish this starting with a spreadsheet and trying to link that to the database. It was a bust, the refresh worked to add names to the spreadsheet, but the payments didn't sync with the names. So I decided to try to do it all within the same database and set up the Dues table, copy/pasted the spreadsheet info into it and now am trying to link it. I tried external data-Access-link, but I think I must be doing it wrong because when I add a new member to the main database that person is not added to the Dues table. I've been working on this problem for months and I'm going crazy!!!!! Even bought Access for Dummies and that was no help at all. I'm a total dweeb with PC (grew up with MAC) and I just don't understand how something that should be so simple is being so complicated. Can anyone out there help???

 

[BBQ Kittens]

umm, I am not sure what your asking here...You mention a basic database and a main database, as well as a table used as a spreadsheet implying the use of excel and not access? Do you have one or two database you are linking? Are you using excel, if not what is the external source of your data? If you are using excel to enter data...why not directly enter it into access? What table in access are you trying to dump the Due table data into? Is your excel spreadsheet formatted as same as the access table? In order for me to best help you, it is best to clarify the details and less clarification on how frustrated you are.

 

[cillaknight]

Thanks for responding. I created a database for names, addresses etc for my business. I also had a separate excel spreadsheet for payments. It became ponderous to enter names twice, once in Access and again in Excel. So I tried linking the two. It worked to a point. I linked the names to access and so when I added a name to access, the name was automatically entered into Excel. Unfortunately, when the names were added the excel rows didn't track with the names. A friend said that I needed to store information in one place. So I opened another table in Access for accounts and have been trying to link it to the table with the names. I have had no luck with that. I figured I was going about it all wrong and have been playing with query's. I created a simple query with the identifying fields from the Info table (names) and the paid fields from the amount paids in the Dues table. I then set up the formula to total. I think it's working, though it would be easier if I could just link the two tables within the same database so that when I add or delete a name in the information table it is automatically added or deleted from the Dues table. I am new to Access, and am not completely sure I understand how it works. It sometimes seems unnecessarily complicated and I don't really understand why I couldn't just link to the excel spreadsheet I already had.