Tips for database developers using 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 an Access 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 VBA method code.
• Error log to improve debugging.
• Faster queries.
• Fonts for data entry
• Form design without using a wizard.
• Generating primary keys instead of using AutoNumber
• Lines on Access forms and reports.
• 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.
• ODBC connection to a SQL Server database.
• Pictures on forms.
• Queries with "In" and "Between".
• Random numbers from Visual Basic
• Simple way to make a backup copy of a report or form.
• Search options.
• Shortcuts for entering data into an Access form or datasheet.
• Splitting a database into code and data components.
• SQL date formats.
• Startup options in Access.
• Subqueries in SQL.
• Switchboard forms in Access.
• Text handling functions in Access.
• Toolbar command button constants.
• Top ten tips.
• Turn off the Office Assistant.
• Types of Query - Modify, Delete and Create Table queries.
• Upsize to Microsoft SQL Server.
• Wild cards in searches.
• Wrap the calls to MsgBox.

If you need to know more about working with databases in Microsoft Access then Alvechurch Data run a series of workshops, tutorials and training courses to help you.