Data Extraction using a Form

[5656]

I'm new to Access, as I'm just getting familiar with Tables, Queries, Relationships, etc.
My situation is that I currently have several tables with many columns of data -- basically an abundance of data. I have a user base that is not very skilled in Access (running queries, etc), and different users need different data combinations from the data tables.

To simplify things for the end users I would like to create a user friendly interface FORM that will allow users to select specific criteria from the "backend" tables (using check boxes, drop down menus, etc)...and then only display the criteria selected in a table format.


I know this is a very general question, but if you have input or could point me in the direction of some references perhaps on the Web it would be very much appreciated !

Thank you!

jf

 

[dumdum]

I would suggest going to your local bookstore and browse the Access books and find one that you feel is at your level. Also at the MS site (somewhere) they have several databases named "FrmSmp97", "Qrysmp97" and "rptsmp97" that will help you understand some of the principles involved (they go into a little more detail than the Northwest and Orders databases that ship with Access)

This forum seems to be a good place too.

 

[5656]

does anyone have any additional input / guidance ?
Thanks.

 

[dumdum]

Ok, here you go. Design a form that contains the Textboxes, Comboboxes and check boxes that you want to use as criteria. Simply: Lets say you have 1 text box on the form named Text1. In that text box you enter the name "Steve". Then you design a query that will contain all the records from all the tables you wish to query. In one of the fields in the query you have one that is named "names". You put a reference to that text1 textbox in the criteria field in the "names" column. You run your query and it will filter only those records that have the name "steve" in the "names" field.