MS Access- How to create a list from a Combo Box

Question

On my form, I want a combo box that displays a list from my table that based on a select from the table, returns a list of matching records.

Answer 1

To create a combo box in MS Access that displays a list of values from a table and returns matching records based on a selection, you can follow these steps:

1. Create the Combo Box: In your form, add a combo box control. You can do this by using the Controls toolbox in the form design view.
2. Set the Row Source: Set the RowSource property of the combo box to the table or query that contains the values you want to display. This can be done in the property sheet of the combo box. For example, if your table is named Products, you can use a SQL statement like SELECT ProductName FROM Products; to populate the combo box with product names.
3. Limit to List: If you want to restrict the user to only the items in the list, set the LimitToList property of the combo box to Yes. This will prevent users from entering values that are not in the list.
4. Handle Selection: To return matching records based on the selection made in the combo box, you can use the AfterUpdate event of the combo box. In this event, you can write code to filter the records displayed in the form based on the selected value from the combo box.
5. Requery the Form: After setting the filter based on the combo box selection, use the Requery method to refresh the form and display the matching records.

By following these steps, you can effectively create a combo box that displays a list from your table and returns matching records based on user selection.

Answer 2

You stated "On my form, I want a combo box that displays a list from my table that based on a select from the table, returns a list of matching records."

The row source is basically the table or query name or an SQL statement. The important point is the bound column should have unique values. To display values from a table that match the selection, you have many options including placing a subform on your form that uses the Link Master/Child properties to filter the subform records based on the combo box value.

Answer 3

As already mentioned, the Row Source property controls what is listed in the dropdown of the combobox. If you want it to list selected matching records from a table, make sure you assign it the query or SQL statement that produces that list of matching records and make sure the Row Source Type is set to Table/Query. Hope that helps...