PRA: Expr Bldr Field Names Not Displayed for New Table/Query

Article ID: Q142231
Creation Date: 08-JAN-1996
Revision Date: 01-DEC-1996

The information in this article applies to:

Microsoft Access versions 2.0, 7.0, 97

SYMPTOMS

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

When you try to use the Expression Builder for a new table or query, you do not see the field names of the table or query in the middle box of the Expression Builder.

CAUSE

Tables and queries are Microsoft Jet database engine-intrinsic objects and cannot enumerate fields within the object until the table or query has been saved.

RESOLUTION

In order to view field names in the Expression Builder, you must first save the table or query. This behavior applies to new tables when you invoke the Expression Builder from the InputMask, DefaultValue, or Validation- Rule property box.

STATUS

Microsoft has confirmed this to be a problem in Microsoft Access 2.0, 7.0 and 97. We are researching this problem and will post new information here in the Microsoft Knowledge Base as it becomes available.

MORE INFORMATION

Steps to Reproduce Problem

Open the sample database Northwind.mdb (or NWIND.MDB in version 2.0).
Create a new query based on the Customers table.
Drag the CustomerID and ContactName fields from the Customers box to the QBE grid.
NOTE: In version 2.0, there is a space in the Customer ID and Contact Name fields.
Using the right mouse button, click in the blank field cell in the first row of the third column, and then click Build.
In the Expression Builder, note that Query1 is the first object listed but that it shows no field information in the middle box.
In the Expression Builder, click OK.
Save the query as Query1.
Open the Query1 query in Design view. Repeat step 4. Note that the fields are now displayed correctly in the Expression Builder.

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