Building Tables in Microsoft Access 2007 Create New Table (New

Building Tables in Microsoft Access 2007

Description In this class, the attendee will learn the basics of creating tables and using tables. Because it is so important to pre-design the database before building it we will also explore how to and how not to design a database for current and future functionality.

Audience This class is appropriate for anyone new to designing a Microsoft Access database.

Objectives After completing this workshop, you should be able to: Create Tables Designate Primary Key Field Set Data Type Set Field Properties Create & Edit Lookup Wizards

Prerequisites Basic computer skills (PC)

Tables – Tables are the "meat" of Access. This is the most fundamental object within Access. All other objects build upon tables CCrreeaattee NNeeww TTaabblllee ((NNeeww DDaattaabbaassee))

Press the Microsoft Office button Select New

Fill in the File Name in the File Name: box Press the Create button

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Select the Create tab

Select the Table icon

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The new table (Table1) opens in datasheet view.

Change the view to Design view by selecting the Design view button

Fill in the new table name in the Save As box Press the OK button

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When you create a new table, Access automatically creates a primary key for you and assigns it a field name of "ID" and the AutoNumber data type.

Sometimes, you may already have data, which you want to use as a primary key. (Example, students have existing ID numbers given to them at the time of admission).

What makes a good primary key?

Each record has a unique value for the field The field information never changes The field information is never empty or has a null value

To Change the Primary ID

Fill in the new Field Name Change the DataType if there is existing data to fill in this field.

Data Types

Text Memo Number Date/Time Currency AutoNumber Yes/No OLE Object Hyperlink Attachment Lookup Wizard…

Text

Memo

Number

Date/Time

Currency

AutoNumber

Yes/No

OLE Object

Hyperlink

Attachment

Lookup Wizard…

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Set the Datatype to Text , Number or Yes/No Select Lookup Wizard… from the drop down menu

Select whether you have an existing table of information to look up or you want to type a new one Choose the number of columns to use in the look up if you are typing in new information Type in the information. (Use down arrow on keyboard to move to the next record. Do not use the Enter key ).

Press the Next button Press the Finish button

To view the field in datasheet mode:

Select the View as Datasheet icon Save the table

View list by selecting the Record Data Dropdown menu

NOTE: Do not choose the Filter Field Dropdown menu