Access® 2007 For Dummies®

Chapter 6. What's Happening under the Table?

In This Chapter

• Locating your table settings (and I don't mean flatware!)

• Changing how data displays

• Keeping bad data out with input masks

• Understanding required fields

• Performing detailed testing through validation

If you have a sound table structure but poor data collection, your database won't report anything of interest to its intended audience. You know the old saying “garbage in, garbage out”? This chapter helps you limit the garbage that is put into your tables with four tools Access puts at your disposal. Access doesn't call them tools however; instead, it calls them properties.

You don't want the task of going back and cleaning up your data after it has all been typed. Better to type it correctly the first time. This chapter shows you how to use formatting, input masks, required fields, and validation to keep your data nice and tidy.

Access Table Settings

This chapter shows how to use these four properties to help keep incorrect data out of your database:

• Formatting: Control how your data appears without changing the way it is stored.

• Input mask: Force data entry to follow the correct structure, such as typing phone numbers in the (###) ###‐#### format.

• Required: Force the entry of data in the field before the record can be saved.

• Validation: Require that data be typed in a field following a specific set of rules, such as a number between 0 and 100.

All four properties are in the same place: the Table Design window's General tab. Use the ...