Inherited database

[Damion]

I have recently inherited a database that has had several previous owners. I
am trying to decompose the database so that I can figure out what
calculations are being performed on the data being imported to the database.
There are several queries performing calculations (nz calculations in
particular) but there are also calculations being performed in reports that
are being generated. When I open the reports in design view there are several
formulas in text boxes (so many text boxes that when I attempt to drag and
separate them I can find as many as ten text boxes stacked upon each other,
each containing different formulas). This leads me to my question. Aside from
using the Analyzer tool is there a way for me to extract the formulas (to
excel for example – using VB) without having to select each text box and view
the properties?

Any assistance would be greatly appreciated.

Damion

 

[Al Campagna]

Damion,
I'm afraid your just going to have to wade in there, and unstack those fields, and
examine each one, as to what it's calculating. You might assume that if calculated text
controls are "stacked" on the report...there may be code in the OnFormat event of that
group to "hide" or "show" one of those stacked calcualtions according to some "logic."

**And... make sure you have a backup of the original report, and "work" on a copy.

I "generally" prefer (and you may get other opinions) to do all my calculations in the
query itself, so all fields on the report are just bound to a field from the query.
(either a table field, or a calculated field)
When I run the query, I can see all the calculations in datasheet view. I don't have
to bounce between query calcs, report calcs, or coded calcs.

You may also want to rename many of the calculating controls, so that they make sense
to you. That may help to "organize" the calculations. And, don't be shy with the
names... Total_If_Type_Equals_Waste_And_Grade_GreaterThan_9... if that's what it takes to
help your organize and understand the process.

Sorry Damion, but I don't think there's any magic wand to call upon with this
situation... just plenty of "sweat equity"
--
hth
Al Campagna . Candia Computer Consulting . Candia, NH USA
Microsoft Access MVP
http://home.comcast.net/~cccsolutions

"Find a job that you love, and you'll never work a day in your life."

 

[Damion]

Al,

Thank you for your help with this issue. After I exported the report into
Excel (via the Analyzer) I was able to format the data and sort it so that I
could delete large amounts of information that I did not need (like the font,
alignment, width, etc) and when that was gone I could focus on the 4 or 5
core details I needed. It was well worth the effort.
I agree with your opinion regarding performing calculations in the query
itself. It seems that I still have my work cut out for me.

Regards.

Damion