How to activate the SORT FUNCTION IN TABLES

[mary29]

The sort function button in tables is not highlighted and I cannot use it . It is ok in forms and is highlighted but not in tables.

Is this a setup problem if so how to fix it.

 

[gusbrunston]

[tt]
Hi:

Just to be sure: you open the table, place the cursor in the field you want to sort by, and the A-Z and Z-A arrows are not highlighted. Right? Gus Brunston An old PICKer, using Access2000
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[gusbrunston]

[tt]
By the way, the A-Z and Z-A arrows are displayed on the Toolbar => Table Datasheet. Gus Brunston An old PICKer, using Access2000
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[mary29]

Yes that is right neither the sort function in records is highlighted nor the a-z buttons on the tool bar is highlighted

Need to know how to activate them.

In Forms it is fine.

 

[gusbrunston]

[tt]
I can't duplicate your problem. However, suggest you select "Tools" => "Options" => "General" and verify that the word "General" is entered in New Database Sort Order.

I'm not sure how you change it for an existing database if it's not "General". Gus Brunston An old PICKer, using Access2000
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[mary29]

I went into the options and general is already there.

Just don't know where to go next.

 

[gusbrunston]

[tt]
O.K.

"Next", design a new small db with a table, and see if the sort function is available for that table.

If it is, then the problem is with the db you've been working with, not the system.

If it's not, then the problem is universal, and may mean that there is a problem with your registry or installation of Office. (But don't reinstall Office, yet!)

Then look at one of the tables in the sample db that ships with Access, "Northwind", and see if the sort function is available. If it is, then that confirms that the problem is not with Access, but with the db you've been using. At least, this will help isolate the problem.

Lemme know... Gus Brunston An old PICKer, using Access2000
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[gusbrunston]

[tt]

Does your table have a primary key? If not, make one of the fields a primary key. Index = required, yes, no duplicates.

By any chance, are you trying to sort on a memo field? If so, see this article:

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;217138

Gus Brunston An old PICKer, using Access2000
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[gusbrunston]

[tt]
Was this table(s) created within the DB, or where they imported, or are they linked from another DB (for example, a "back end&quot? Gus Brunston An old PICKer, using Access2000
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[mary29]

Thankyou for that

I tried the new db and it is not highlighted in that one either.

Not sure how to get to "Northwind" test db.

Can you help

 

[gusbrunston]

[tt]
Northwind is the sample database that ships with Access. If you don't have it, you can download it from

http://www.microsoft.com.

"Can I help?" I don't know. I'm still trying. Gus Brunston An old PICKer, using Access2000
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[gusbrunston]

[tt]
Hi:

I have accidently discovered a form in a one of my databases that has the same symptom! It is only one form, no other form (that I've tried) in the database has the same dimming of the sort icons.

It is a table that I made of all the error numbers and error messages in Access2000. So now, at least, I have a table to work with to try discover why the icons are dimmed out.

I'll get back to you. Gus Brunston An old PICKer, using Access2000
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[gusbrunston]

[tt]
I mispoke. I meant table when I wrote "form". Too excited, I guess. Gus Brunston An old PICKer, using Access2000
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[gusbrunston]

[tt]
The reason the icons were dimmed out in my table is that I was trying to sort on a memo field. According to the link that I gave in my 5th post in this thread, in Access2000, one cannot sort by this method in a memo field, a hyperlink field, or an OLE field.

This would only apply in your case if you were trying to sort on one of these three fields, and if you were using Access 2000.

I have exhausted all resources I know about to help you with this problem. I suggest you post your question again with a different headline to attract the attention of someone who knows more than I about this "quirky" phenomenon.

Sorry, Gus Brunston An old PICKer, using Access2000
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