Table weirdness

[kagard]

Greetings:

I created a table with three fields: an autonumber, an integer, and a
date/time field. I set no validation rules or default values. When I
save the table and start entering data in datasheet view, it acts
strangely. If I put 2 in the integer field and press the tab key,
access puts 3 in the date field and then throws an error saying the
data is invalid. If I put a 3 in the integer field and press tab,
access puts 5 in the date field and throws the invalid data error
again. No other numbers that I've tried cause access to fill the data
field with a value. I've reproduced this behavior from scratch with a
second table. I've also compacted and repaired the db on the off
chance that access was getting confused. (I'm using Access 2002.)

This isn't a critical problem, so I'm not concerned if I get an
answer. I thought, though, that some of you might find this curious.
Anyone else encounter this anomaly? Any idea what's going on?

TIA

Keith

 

[a a r o n . k e m p f]

Access is trying to help you.
This is 'by design'.

Don't let people enter stuff directly into a table.

-Aaron

 

[Jeff Boyce]

I'll second Aaron K's observations on this, tables are for storing data,
forms for data entry/edit. Don't let users work directly with the tables.

Access had a "feature" added that tries to anticipate a sequence ... if you
were working directly in a table! The folks at Microsoft have heard about
this!

Good luck

Regards

Jeff Boyce
Microsoft Office/Access MVP

 

[kagard]

Hi Jeff and Aaron:

Seriously? I thought Aaron was kidding!

BTW, I'm not letting users enter data into tables. I was entering the
number of years of history to retain in the database and the date of
last archive. I didn't create a form specifically because I'm the only
one who will be entering data into the table.

So how does a 3 in the integer field producing a 5 in the date field
represent a sequence? Especially since it doesn't work with any other
numbers. Can this 'feature' be disabled?

Keith

 

[Jeff Boyce]

The "feature" cannot be disabled (AFAIK).

You'll have to either create yourself a simple dataentry form or pay special
attention when "loading" that table directly.

Regards

Jeff Boyce
Microsoft Office/Access MVP