Access

[Im a BusyBee]

Not sure this is the right place for this but i am getting so stressed with Access WHY CANT I USE IT???!! It all looks so familiar yet all i can see is print previews just cannot work out how to add to the database that someone else has started for me??!!!

[MarkRae]

You'll need to provide some more information...

Has your friend done nothing more than build the tables, or are there other types of objects such as queries, forms and reports? Typically, there will be a form which is set open when the database is opened and will then provide the mechanism for using the application.

[Im a BusyBee]

there are reports, i just need to enter more data but just cannot work out how - yet i use other microsoft applications everyday

[Im a BusyBee]

in fact to the left of the screen there is a section headed 'reports' when i click on them they come up in print preview format im sure im just not in the right place

[MarkRae]

Are you saying that the database contains nothing but tables and reports? Ask your friend why there are no data-entry forms? Does he expect you to enter data into the tables directly (not a good idea)?

[Im a BusyBee]

yes i think you have answered it i need a data entry form...where should i find that? thanks so much for your help by the way.

[MarkRae]

You won't find it anywhere! You'll need to create it. Depending on which version of Access you're using, there should be a form creation wizard on the toolbar somewhere.

You're by no means alone here. Fire up a copy of Microsoft Word and you can start writing "Dear Mum" - you're up and running straight away. This isn't the case with databases. RDBMS are hard, even really friendly ones like Access.

Something like this would be really useful: http://www.amazon.co....qid=1297795519&sr=8-1

[Im a BusyBee]

I have now found a form with the headings i need but not that i can type into :-(

[scotman]

Mark is correct about Access. You don't find anything! It all has to be built from scratch. There are wizards to help you but it is still not easy. If there is nobody who can do this for you then your best bet is to get a beginners book and start reading and practising.