Search Query by text OR number

[RobM-C]

Is it possible to create a search query in access that will alow me search by text (i.e. name of a student) OR search by a number (i.e. student number)

i mean like a query that would give me the option of searching for either
any help much apreciated

all the best
rob

 

[pbaldy]

You could use a technique like this:

http://www.mvps.org/access/queries/qry0001.htm

or a dynamic solution like the sample db here:

http://www.mdbmakers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=4895

The more fields involved the more I lean towards the second.

 

[RobM-C]

Well i have a table named Students and it contains: Student id, Name, College

and i need to be able to search it by either student number or name

what do you reckon is my best option?
i dont fully understand the first link.... do i just enter that in the criteria section of the design view? im using access 2003

 

[pbaldy]

Yes, adjusting for your actual form/control names.

 

[RobM-C]

does this work for a query or just a form?? sorry if these questions are stupid i just dont know what im doing

 

[pbaldy]

does this work for a query or just a form?? sorry if these questions are stupid i just dont know what im doing

No such thing as a stupid question. That technique is intended to be used in a query that gets its criteria from a form. Most of us operate on the theory that you only let users see forms and reports, so we use forms to gather user input for queries. It gives you more control over what they can enter, since you can validate it before continuing.