the same drop down boxes

[lofty2474]

Hi, I am brand new to access, can I have the same drop down boxes in the data sheet and the form so that I can enter data either way?

 

[Micron]

To put it simply, users should not enter data directly into tables - only via forms. The direct answer is yes, but it requires that you use lookup fields, which is something else you really should not do.

 

[lofty2474]

To put it simply, users should not enter data directly into tables - only via forms. The direct answer is yes, but it requires that you use lookup fields, which is something else you really should not do.

Thank you for your reply. Entering data direct to the table would only be done by myself on a second sweep as my workflow requires that I see the data in that format. As I said I am new to this and am trying to find solutions to a quite specific work flow. The form works perfectly for the first data entered but I then have to draw data from a further 2 sources and the table format works better for this. Any suggestions ?

 

[jackd]

Can you tell us about the work flow? Include some info re who, what, when, how much and how often to help put it all into context. The 30,000 ft level is fine for starters.

As micron advised-- best not to add/edit info directly in Tables.

 

[Micron]

With no clue as to what your db looks like or what it's sujpposed to do, consider either a form based on a query that uses those 3 tables, or a main form / subform design. The 3 table query likely will make the form not editable (you can test a query for this before bothering to make a form that's based on the query). If you can't edit in the query you can't do it in the form if you need to. That's when the form/subform is likely needed - or your tables might not be properly normalized. Suggest you research db normalization if you're not sure. No reflection on you, but most Excel users have no clue that db tables should not resemble spreadsheets. Data entry in tables is oft fraught with later complications, including orphaned records.