scan for repeat record

[K]

i have a database of clients where i am constantly adding
in records. is there a way for access to tell me that a
client already exists when i enter it in so that i don't
have two records of the same client?

 

[AJ Raiber]

Make one field that is unique for each client (Name,
address, etc...) not accept duplicate values. The issue
with this is that Mary's Pie Company and Mary's Pie Co.
will show as different names. Therefore it is important
to use something that will be entered the same way every
time or have very specific rules for entering
information. Phone numbers would be a good one as very
few companies share a phone number. This way, when you
input a phone number that was already in the system, it
would give you an error message telling you that that
number already exists in the system. Obviously, you want
the unique field to be one of the first entered on the
screen so you don't waste time entering duplicate
information on a record that will not be needed anyway.

HTH

AJ

 

[Duncan Hsu]

In general you can config a table so that it does not
accept duplicate values on fields. Of cause, it usually
check the value literally. i.e. Mike and mike will be
treat as different. Duncan

 

[John Henriksen]

Hi

Make a primary key with no dublicates for eksample phone number as the
first field to input data.

John