Computer Training Help! Key

Last issue’s Mystery Software Character question was:

In Access, if you wish to avoid re-designing queries to change criteria, use me.  Who am I?

The answer to this question is a parameter. With a parameter query, Access prompts the user for the needed criteria.  Although the dialog box prompts for the specified information, there is no check done for invalid look-ups.  If the criterion is not found, a blank datasheet is displayed.

Parameters are descriptive text messages.  They must be enclosed in brackets [ ].  The descriptive text cannot be the name of an object or field in the current database; therefore, it must be unique.  It cannot contain a period, exclamation point, bracket, or accent.  Parameters can be substituted for values in logical and text criteria.

EXAMPLES

[Enter First Name]
>=[Enter Dept No]
Not Like [Enter City]

Single Parameter Query

• Create a parameter query.
  Create a query.
  Add desired tables.
  Place:         desired fields in Design Grid
  Click:           criteria cell in field to include parameter
  Type:           [parameter text]
  
  
• Re-run parameter query from Datasheet window using the Ribbon.
  In Home tab, Records group,
  Choose:      Refresh All button
  Type:           criteria in dialog box
  Choose:      OK
  
  
• Re-run parameter query from Datasheet window using the keyboard.
  Press:         SHIFT F9
  Type:           criteria in dialog box
  Choose:      OK
  

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