SQL Back-end / Access Front-end using linked tables????

[p-rat]

I have a backend that contains tables that I pull Driver information,
Customer information , etc. (these are MAS 200 accounting software
tables that are exported nightly to the SQL backend). I also have on
the backend tables that I push information to; information that we
enter on the forms located on the front end. I might not have this
set-
up correctly, but I'm linking all tables on the back end to the
Access
database on the front end. When trying to set up an Auto Lookup off
of
a query I've created in Access it says I need to go into the table
change Data Type to the Lookup wizard, etc. However, being that the
tables are linked it will not let me change this property.


The form on the front end needs to be able to do a data lookup or an
auto-lookup or something of this nature to when the data entry clerk
is typing in information off a sheet of paper he/she has received
that
the form recognizes the letter of the Driver and brings in a list of
all possible candidates with this letter.


I tried doing a combo box, as suggested earlier, but I can't see the
data from the linked table on the back end. I have linked these using
an ODBC connection. When doing a query the data seems to pull in
fine.
Why can't I see this data when trying to do a combo box. Do I take
the
text field and just 'change to' combo box?


I guess I'm at a stand still since I'm questioning how I've done this
so far. Can anyone give me an overview on how to set-up a form using
a
back-end / front-end that using linked tables and how to create some
of the bells and whistle's that I'm looking for? Thanks.

 

[Dale Fye]

You should not have any difficulty using linked SQL Server tables as the
source for Access forms or controls.

What version/service pack of Access are you using. I recall reading
something about combo boxes in A2003 (SP3). If this is your version, you
might want to check out the ServicePack3 issues on Allen Browne's website
(www.allenbrowne.com)

Your combo box should be based on a query of the Drivers table that is
linked from your backend. It might be as simple as:

SELECT DriverID, DriverName
FROM tblDrivers
ORDER BY DriverName

Then, set the combos "AutoExpand" property to True

HTH
Dale