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We have launched a new extended set of web pages at www.alvechurchdata.co.uk. These old pages will stay on the server because people still have links to them but they will not be updated.

The new version of this page is at www.alvechurchdata.co.uk/hints-and-tips/accesstips.html.

Tips for database developers in MS Access

These tips are for users and developers working in Access 97, Access 2000, and Access XP. Microsoft Access is an easy tool for casual use at the desktop but is also a powerful relational database. Careful database design is needed to make the best use of it and we hope that these tips will help you get the best from Access.

These pages are not an Access tutorial, you will need to know something about the language to get the most benefit from the tips. They are provided for your guidance in database development rather than as solutions to particular problems. Refer to the Access Help system or MSDN for more detailed information about the commands used:

• Access XP.
• Backup an Access database.
• Centre controls on Access forms.
• Choose the right tool - Access or Excel.
• Common Dialog control to choose a file name.
• Compacting a database.
• Custom toolbars in Access.
• Cut, Copy, and Paste.
• DAO in Access 97.
• Database Support.
• Date functions in Access.
• Datestamp as a filename.
• Design a form to make data entry easier.
• Editing method code.
• Error log to improve debugging.
• Faster queries.
• Form design.
• Generating primary keys instead of using AutoNumber
• Lines on Access forms.
• Linking tables from another database.
• Linking two listboxes.
• Links to other Access pages.
• Logical functions in Access.
• Migrating to Access XP.
• Numeric functions in Access.
• Pictures.
• Queries with "In" and "Between".
• Random numbers from Visual Basic
• Simple backup techniques.
• Search options.
• Shortcuts for entering data into an Access form.
• Splitting a database into code and data components.
• SQL date formats.
• Startup options in Access.
• Subqueries.
• Switchboards in Access.
• Text handling functions in Access.
• Top ten tips.
• Turn off the Office Assistant.
• Types of Query - Modify and Delete.
• Wild cards in searches.
• Wrap the calls to MsgBox.