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[Access 2002] When building a database, the design and relationships of your tables is very important. Access 2002 will help you with this by generating a graphical representation of table relationships in your database. Here's how:
A report is generated that displays the relationships as they appear in the Relationships window.
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[Access 2000] Have you ever tried squeezing another button on to your toolbar wishing for a larger Access container window? Well, you can't enlarge the window, but you can control the size of the buttons, text boxes and pull-down menu's. Here's how:
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[Access 2003] In most cases, the Access database will identify damaged files and automatically give you the compact and repair option. But, if an Access file is behaving very unpredictably, it may be necessary for you to perform a Compact and Repair of your database manually. It actually isn't a bad idea to perform a compact and repair of your database on a regular basis to help prevent file corruption. Here's how:
Note: If everything goes well, you can delete your backup copy if you need to save disk space. [Top] |
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[Access 2002] By default, Access automatically saves your database files in Access 2000 format. This format is designed so that your database files can be shared with other Access 2000 uses. But, if you have no plans of ever sharing your files, then you can gain better performance (especially the larger databases) by converting to the Access 2002 format. Access 2002 will create a separate database file in the new format and leave your original database file intact. Here's how to convert to Access 2002 format:
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[Access 2000] If you need to create a table field on the fly while working in Datasheet view, here is a very quick method that should save you time:
Note: You can also use the shortcut menu to rename or delete the newly created field. You will more than likely want to go to Design view at some point to set the field's properties. But, depending on the reason for your creating the field, you may find that creating it in the Datasheet view is more efficient for your immediate needs. [Top] |
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[Access 2000] If you find yourself constantly switching back and forth between the same set of database objects (i.e.: tables and forms), just simply create a toolbar button that will open the object for you. Here's how to create the disposable button: Drag the object from the Database window up to an existing toolbar. Access will create a button with the appropriate icon. This won't work for modules, but you can use this technique for tables, forms, reports, queries, and macros. If you have multiple buttons for the same type of object, Access displays a ToolTip when you hover your mouse pointer over the button, indicating what the button will open. When you've finished working on the database, you will need to remove the buttons to avoid confusion when there are other files open. To remove a button, simply hold down the "Alt" key and drag the button off of the toolbar. [Top] |
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[Access 2000] The VBA IDE (Visual Basic Editor) has three windows:
To cut down on the
amount of clutter you have when writing code in the Immediate window,
you can close the Project Explorer and the properties windows. By making
some resizing adjustments, you will increase the amount of code you can
view on screen. [Top] |
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[Access 2000] Using the Paste Append feature, you can quickly create new records that will copy existing information from other records. As an example of how this feature works:
Hint: You can also select fields from adjacent records.
You will now have an appropriate number of new records in the table that contains the information you have copied. [Top] |
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[All Versions] The Plus symbol (+) in the Command column does not get pressed. As an example, the first command shown would be: Press CTRL and while holding CTRL, press ;
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If you are unhappy with how
buttons are placed on a toolbar, go ahead and move them. Here's how: While holding the ALT key, drag the button from one position to another. Be careful not to drag the button completely off the toolbar or Access will automatically delete it. If that happens, don't worry a quick keyboard command will bring it back: CTRL - Z or you can choose Undo Delete from the Edit menu. If you would like to copy a button, just hold down the ALT-CRTL buttons while dragging the button from one toolbar to another. [Top] |
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[All Versions] Select one record (highlighting it) in Datasheet view, then you can: 1. Select an entire row by pressing Shift + Spacebar. 2. Select the entire datasheet, press Ctrl + Shift + Spacebar. 3. Select and entire column, press Ctrl + Spacebar [Top] |
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[Access 2003] Microsoft Access supports many types of queries. Select queries are by far the most common queries. Select queries are used for viewing and are a data source for forms, reports, controls, and other queries. The other queries create or change data and are known collectively as Action queries. Below, is a short description of the major categories of queries:
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[Access 2000] After spell checking a table, you could come across a wrong spelled word that Access didn't catch. By default, Access will purposely skip certain words that are all in upper case or that have numbers in them. You can change the way that Access spell check so that it will include all words. Here's how:
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[Access 2000] Regularly compacting an Access database allows it to run more efficiently by reducing the file size and defragmenting the data. However, most users forget to do this on a regular basis. So, by using the Compact On Close feature, you can forget about having to do this and let it do it on its own. Here's how:
Access will
automatically compact and repair the file if the database will be
reduced by at least 256 kilobytes when you close it. [Top] |
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[Access 2000] When you are designing a query and you would like to temporaily view fields from the underlying tables beyond the ones you want shown in the final result. Do do this, most users drag the relevant fields to the design grid and then delete them when they're done. However, there is a much easier way to accomplish the same thing. Here's how: 1. Open the query in Design view. 2. If necessary, display the query's Properties sheet. 3. Set the Output All Fields property setting to Yes and run the query. Data from all of the underlying tables fields will be displayed in addition to the fields you specified in the QBE grid. To change the query so that it only displays the fields specifically selected in the QBE grid, simply reset the Output All Fields property to No. [Top] |
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[Access 2000] When sorting and grouping your report data based on a Date/Time field, you can summarize your data in terms other than individual dates. As an example, you may want to group data by month, quarter or year. Fortunately, you won't need to use expressions to accomplish this. Here's how:
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[Access 2003] If you would like to view or to refresh links when the structure or location of a linked table has changed. The Linked Table Manager lists the paths to all currently linked tables. Here's how:
Microsoft Access will
confirm a successful refresh or, if the table wasn't found, it will display
the Select New Location of <table name> dialog box, then you can specify the
table's new location. [Top] |
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[Access 2003]
Access makes it possible to
change your default settings in Microsoft Office to have them match the
default settings of a different language. Here's how:
A message will appear describing the effects of the change. To continue, click Continue and lose customizations. [Top] |
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The Find feature defaults to
the selected field, which means you could end up searching just the active
field, instead of the entire table. When using the Find option in Access,
you can change the default search options to something that would be more to
your own search preferences. Here's how:
Note: You may have to restart Access before the changes take effect. [Top] |
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Below is a list of keyboard shortcuts for Microsoft Access. Keyboard shortcuts
can often increase your productivity. You will need to experiment to find out
which ones that you are comfortable using and would save you time.
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