table joining problem

[CSOP]

Hi,

I'v got 2 tables: table a and table b. Both have the same primary key which is a unique reference number.
However table a is general, and has every single refernce number, and table b is specific to a particular area in the dbs, and represents data which comes under a specidic category (ie all unique reference numbers which satisfy this given criteria).

My problem is, I want every single unique refernce number represented ie from table a, and want to link it to table b. (even if this means i have empty rows for data which is in table a and not in b
The problem is, every single unique reference number is not apperaring. Only table b reference numbers.

Please help this is really bothering me

thanks

 

[SmileyConspiracy]

You need to use an outer join.
e.g.
select *
from a
left outer join b on a.ID_Field =b.ID_Field

 

[mimi2]

how about this:
SELECT a.*
FROM table1 a LEFT OUTER JOIN table2 b ON
a.referenceNB = b.referenceNB

 

[CSOP]

thankyou so much guys, that helped a lot and have now got the exact data I need.