Not another multiple tables question.......

[Milothicus]

I'm a newbie. i've been browsing the forum for a while now and it's been really helpful, but i can't quite get around what i'm trying to do now without asking specific questions.

This seems like it's a pretty basic problem for access:
I have a table (Client_info) that has a clients' names, address, etc. and a client_ID field.

I have another table that has Inquiries on it. it also has a client_ID field which is linked to the client_ID on the client_info table.

what i want is a form that allows info entry for a new inquiry including client info, but will auto populate the fields if a client is a return client. i thought using the client_ID made sense, but it's strictly an internal reference. do i really need it? can i make the client name the primary key?

any advice? am i missing something obvious?

 

[Mile-O]

If you already have the client stored in a table then why would you waste time and space by entering their details in again?

 

[Milothicus]

I'm starting with all empty tables that will be populated as inquiries are processed. I need to insert new records into each table as required, as well as reference old records if applicable.

does this make it clearer?

 

[Mile-O]

Use a form and subform combination.
The main form is bound to the clients. The subform is bound to the Inquiries. The main form and subform are linked via the ClientID field.

 

[ecniv]

Since you're new at it, go with SJs suggestion.

Later on when you have some experience and if you have some time and want to experiment I'd suggest the following:
Form for the Inquiry
- allows user to enter enquiry details
- validates entry (possibly if editing copy record to archive/audit) before saving

Form (popup from Inquiry, or on its own) for the clients.
- Allows entry of client information
- Should only be one client, so no duplicates - your decision how to do this
- validation before save
- If popped up, then have a list at the top of the form (with search facility/filter) to list all clients (active). User selects a row, data put in the lower half of form, a button to return to inquiry and take the selected rows clientid (hidden) to store in the inquiries form/table. If new client, the details can be added to the db with checks for possible duplicates etc...

Just an option, might be an idea to try in the future and see whether it works better/worse

Vince