MS Access 2019 automatically modifying queries?

Question

Hello,

in MS Access, when constructing a query, MS Access will seem to alter how it is displayed on screen after closing and re-opening the program.

For example, when constructing a query, entering 'Sum' in the "total" box, and then running the query - it will work as expected. When closing and reopening 'Sum' has been replaced with 'Expression' and the Sum function is now in the 'field' section. It still works, but is there a way to stop Access from seemingly modifying the query in this way? In older versions of access this didn't seem to happen.

Thank you,

Answer 1

That suggests the "course work" is based on a less than complete understanding of Access and the Access design interface.

If you have any control over the materials, perhaps you can clarify that point so students are not misled.

Answer 2

Thanks for the responses and clarification. Yes the sql is the same regardless of how it looks in design view so it will function the same. The reason for the question is that when students are using the software for course work, and need to evidence what they're doing by taking a screen shot of the design screen, which can change once they've saved and re-opened the program.

Answer 3

You are seeing an artifact of the way the QBE, or Query By Example, design grid works. Nothing is changed in the actual SQL, at least nothing functional.

You can confirm this, as Scott and Duane already suggested, by looking at the SQL, which is all that matters.

Answer 4

I doubt you can change this behavior. Are you doing something else with the Sum column like Order By or a criteria?

Can you provide the SQL for us?

Answer 5

I just tried this. The Total row is only added in Datasheet view not Design view. But when I did that (In 365) and saved the query, nothing was changed.

Can you try this again and show us the SQL before and after adding the Totals Row?