SYMPTOMS

Novice: Requires knowledge of the user interface on single-user computers.

The Set Control Defaults command (or Change Default command in Microsoft Access 2.0 or earlier) on the Format menu (or Layout menu in version 1.x) is available even when you have multiple controls selected in Design view of a form or report.

CAUSE

If the selected controls are all of the same type, Microsoft Access uses either the last control added to the form or report, or the last control selected for the default settings.

RESOLUTION

When you are changing the default for many controls at once, select only one of each type of control before choosing the Set Control Default command (or Change Default command in versions 1.x and 2.0).

MORE INFORMATION

You can select multiple controls by holding down the SHIFT key and clicking on the controls that you want to select, or by dragging the mouse pointer over controls grouped together.

Steps to Reproduce Behavior In Microsoft Access 7.0 and 97

1. Open any database and create a new, blank form.
2. Add three text boxes to the form.
3. On the Toolbar, click the BackColor button.
4. Change the colors of the three text boxes. Change one to red, one to blue, and one to yellow, using the fill colors on the palette.
5. Select all three text boxes by holding down the SHIFT key and clicking each control in turn.
6. On the Format menu, click Set Control Defaults.
7. Add a fourth text box to the form. Note that the new text box defaults to the color of the last control you selected in step 5.

1. Open any database and create a new, blank form.
2. Add three text boxes to the form.
3. On the View menu, click Palette.
4. Change the colors of the three text boxes. Change one to red, one to blue, and one to yellow, using the fill colors on the palette.
5. Select all three text boxes by holding down the SHIFT key and clicking each control in turn.
6. On the Format menu (or Layout menu in version 1.x), click Change Default.
7. Add a fourth text box to the form. Note that the new text box defaults to the color of the last control you selected in step 5.

For more information about setting control defaults, search the Help Index for "properties, controls," or ask the Microsoft Access 97 Office Assistant.