Append form and lookup fields

[rgaster5]

I have a table where one field look up data in another field).

The field specifies the primary sector (egwe energy, defense) or a contact
in a contacts table.

I now want to add data to this field in a mass update (ie I have information
about the primary setcor for many records that I want to add all at once.

I wanted to simply run an update query, where the record ID iof the contact
table is linked to the record ID of the ne winfo table, and I draw data from
the new info table into the contacts table.

However, even though all the new data (eg energy etc) matches the list that
is looked up in the contacts table, Access will not let me add the data now
that the lookup function is in place.

So, is there a way to perform a mass update using an update query ona field
that is defined using the lookup function?
Suggestions?

thanks

Robin

 

[tina]

the data *stored* in the Lookup field is not the data that shows on the
droplist in that field. i'm guessing that you're trying to add/update text,
and the field's data type is Number. this is one of the reasons that many
experienced developers advise against the use of Lookup fields in tables.
for more information, see http://www.mvps.org/access/lookupfields.htm.

once you get rid of the Lookup, you'll see what data is actually stored in
that field in the table. other than that, it's not clear whether you're
trying to *Append* new records to your data table, or *Update* existing
records. more info, please.

hth

 

[rgaster5]

HiTina

you are right that I am using the lookup fields. I read your link, and it
makes good sens e- except, how do I implement a drop down list in the table
that references another field/table WITHOUT using the lookup function. I need
to ensure that the values in the field are equal to the values in the
referenced table, which I plan to use for search purposes later on.

regards

Robin

yes, I gues I am trying to

 

[tina]

you don't. tables are for storing data. FORMS are for
adding/editing/deleting/viewing table data. get rid of the Lookups in the
table fields, as i said. in a *form*, you can bind a combobox control or a
listbox control to the field(s) that are linked to lookup tables, and show
the "lookup" values from those tables.

if you're not already familiar with relational design principles,
primary/foreign keys, etc, then i recommend you read up/more on that subject
so you'll understand how to use combobox and listbox controls, and
understand how to build your tables/relationships correctly. for more
information, see http://home.att.net/~california.db/tips.html#aTip1 and
http://home.att.net/~california.db/tips.html#aTip4.

hth