Ken's Sample Databases
Sample database contains a working example of how "spin" buttons can be used with a combo box in order to navigate up and down the combo box's item list without opening the dropdown list. (available in 2002, 2000 and 97 formats; can be used in ACCESS 2003 as well)
CboSpin_2002.zip CboSpin_2000.zip CboSpin_97.zip
Using Controls to filter a form's data
Sample database contains a working example of how a combo box, a list box, an option group, and an option group with a textbox can be used to filter a form's data, and to preview a report based on the selections. (available in 2002, 2000 and 97 formats; can be used in ACCESS 2003 as well)
FilterForm_2002.zip FilterForm_2000.zip FilterForm_97.zip
Text Box & Combo Box Combination
Sample database contains a working example of how a text box and combo box can be paired to filter the data displayed in the combo box, based on the maximum number of rows to be displayed in the combo box. A class module is used to seamlessly switch between a text box and a combo box, and back again. (available in 2002 format; can be used in ACCESS 2003 as well)
Assigning Unique Numbers without using Autonumbers
Sample database contains a class module, table, and subroutine for assigning sequential, unique numbers (for an order number, a customer number, an invoice number, etc.) to an entity. It is very useful in multi-user database environments. The class module handles an unlimited number of entities that need unique numbers; each entity is identified with an integer number in the class module. The class module uses a table to store the data that the module needs for the assignment work. The class module allows you to set various parameters that define how long to retain the history for when a unique number was assigned, and that define how many numbers are created ahead of when they are to be assigned. The sample database uses a public subroutine to interact with the class module. The subroutine is called to return the next sequential unique number; or the subroutine is called to release a unique number so that it can be assigned later (this can be used when a user cancels the creation of a new order record, for example, and it prevents the occurrence of number "gaps"). (available in 2002 format; can be used in ACCESS 2003 as well)
Data Access Page: Use DAP to filter a subsequent DAP
Sample database contains a working example of how a data access page (DAP) can be used to select a record and then to open a second DAP that shows details for that record. Includes a "Read Me" file that explains how to set up the database on your PC so that it will work. (available in 2000 format; can be used in ACCESS 2002 and ACCESS 2003 as well)
Cascading Combo Boxes in a "Continuous Forms" View
Sample database contains a working example of how cascading combo boxes can be used in a "continuous forms" view of a form (e.g., subform showing multiple records) while showing the actual data for each record that doesn't have the focus. Database created by Pat Hartman, former MVP; posted with her permission. (available in 2000 format; can be used in ACCESS 2002 and ACCESS 2003 as well)
Easy Maintenance of "Many-To-Many" Data with a Form
Sample database contains a working example of how a combination of a listbox, combobox, and buttons on a form can be used to edit / maintain "many-to-many" (multi-value) data in a junction table. This setup simplifies the "age-old" method of normalizing data while avoiding multi-value ("complex data") fields. Includes a "Read Me" file that explains how this is done by "subclassing" the controls with a class module, which makes it very simple for a user to create and use a form. Database created by Graham Mandeno, MVP; posted with his permission. (available in 2000 format; can be used in ACCESS 2002 and ACCESS 2003 as well)