Search button will not search on the subform

Anonymous

I am just learning Access but have a fair knowledge of the basics so far. I had a table with all of my info I wanted to track and I had a form with a search button that would search everything. I watched the MS videos on database design and discovered that the best design was to take my one table and create 2 linked tables according to the video. I did this so that I did not have repeated customer data since some customers have adopted more than one dog from us. My database is very small, about 2MB. I put 9 fields in my customer Table and 10 fields into my Dogs Table. I created a split form and added a search button to the Customers part (main form) but now when I search it only searches the main part of the form and not my Dogs sub form. Can someone please enlighten me as to how to make the search button search both forms? Everything is linked and works correctly otherwise, I just can't get it to search the sub form.

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ScottGem 68,840 Volunteer Moderator

Lets leave off the New dog name for the moment. It adds a level of complexity you don't need right now.

The Rowsource you show doesn't include the customer name. Lets go back to here:

RowSource: SELECT CustomersT.[Customer ID], DogsT.Dogs Name], Lastname & ", " & Firstname AS CustName

FROM CustomersT INNER JOIN DogsT ON CustomersT.[Customer ID] = DogsT.[Customer IDFK];

ORDER BY [Dogs Name];

Bound Column: 1

Column Count: 3

Column Widths: 0";1.5";2"

Nothing is going to happen when you select a row in the combobox because you didn't do the last part.

From my previous note:

In the After Update event of this combo I would use code like:

Me.Filter = "[Customer ID] = " & Me.cboSelectDog

DoCmd.runCommand acCMDApplyfilterSort

By the way its not a good idea to use spaces in object names. This will come back to haunt you.

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ScottGem 68,840 Volunteer Moderator

This part here is in my customers table "For the third column enter: CustName: Lastname & ", " & Firstname." So do I have to link that table using my customer ID and Customer IDFK fields from these 2 tables?

I put the Customer IDFK in this query because it is a part of the dogs table. I also used dogs name and dogs new name fields from Dogs Table.

I tried what I said above but the drop down box just lists the ID numbers, not sure if it is customers or dogs, running short on time for now

I truly appreciate you taking the time to help me on this issue!!

You are correct, I forgot about that. Here are the instructions I posted previously:

RowSource: SELECT CustomerID, Dogname, Lastname & ", " & Firstname AS CustName

INNER JOIN ON Dogs.CustomerID = Customer.CustomerID

FROM Dogs, Customer

ORDER BY Dogname;

Bound Column: 1

Column Count: 3

Column Widths: 0";1.5";2"

As I said before. When you click the ellipses next to the RowSource it should open Query Design mode. You need to add both tables and join the CustomerID PK to the CustomerID FK. Then add the CustomerID and Dogname fields. then create the third column as noted. If you then switch to SQL view it should look like the SQL statement above.

The reason why its only listing the IDs is because you didn't adjust the Column count and Columns Width properties as shown. The first 2 properties are on the data tab, the other 2 are on the Format tab.

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61 additional answers

ScottGem 68,840 Reputation points Volunteer Moderator

2015-09-28T16:56:17+00:00

Okay, I just created a new blank form that doesn't have a sub form and now it works, so thank you for your help, it was much appreciated. I think I have what I want now

That sounds like you created a query joining the two tables and are using that as the Recordsource of your form. If so, that is NOT the answer to your problem. Since you have a 1 to many relationship between Customer and Dogs, then the proper way to present this in a form is with a mainform/subform. Using a multi-table query can cause further problems down the road.
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ScottGem 68,840 Reputation points Volunteer Moderator

2015-09-28T16:44:35+00:00

How did you create the Find button? Using the command button wizard? If so, that will only find values in the Recordsource of the main form.

I'm sorry, but no there is no built-in simple way to just search throughout the database. The find feature only works on the currently active table or recordset. On the other hand, you really need to understand how to work with comboboxes. They are an integral part of a relational database. And the combobox wizard makes them easy to work with.

For the Dogs search, I gave you very explicit instructions on how to create it. Doing so will help you get more comfortable with working with them.

"I intend to share it online in the near future"

I need to make a couple of points on that. To be able to publish this as an Access Web App (AWA), you have to start it almost from scratch as an AWA. You can continue to use your table structure (with a bit of modification) But the forms need to be designed as an AWA. You also need to have an Office 365 account that will permit you to publish the database.

"they are not very computer savvy"

If they are savvy enough to use the web (and web pages make extensive use of comboboxes), then you should be able to create an interface for them that will be easy to use. And I maintain that interface should include comboboxes.

" Access seems family simple to learn as far as just the basics go."

I agree, an end user can put together a simple app with limited knowledge. But there is a definitely wall. As soon as you reach the wall, the level of complexity increases greatly. I don't think you have reached that wall, but definitely a speed bump.
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Anonymous

2015-09-28T16:37:01+00:00

Okay, I just created a new blank form that doesn't have a sub form and now it works, so thank you for your help, it was much appreciated. I think I have what I want now
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