How to Create a Text Box that Shows When a Record is Entered...=(NOW) Doesn't Do That

[tatihulot]

Hello, everyone, I am using Access 2013.



My problem has to do with time stamps. I want a text field in my main form that displays the date and time a record was originally entered into my database.

I created a text field and used the NOW function in it.

=(Now)

I have entered 340 records into my database. Only now did I notice the Timestamp text box displays the CURRENT date and time, no matter when the record was actually entered.

Clearly, I misunderstood what the =(NOW) command does.

So, I removed the NOW command from the text box, and went into Design mode. In the Header/Footer section of the ribbon is an option for Date and Time. I selected the formatting I wanted, but couldn't get that information into the text box. Obviously, it is meant specifically for headers and footers.

My question should be obvious: What do I use to get a timestamp that displays when the record was originally entered into the database? I've done research into this and haven't gotten past the two things I mentioned.

The second question is: Can I enter the date and time of my choice for the first 340 items, since I kept a journal of when I entered that information, and let Access resume putting in the timestamp with new records? I am going to have to enter the date and time for the first 340 records, but I want Access to enter the current timestamp beginning with record 341. And these records have to remain permanent and not reflect the current time.

Thank you! T. Hulot

[pbaldy]

Use Now() in the default value property of the field.

[tatihulot]

Nope, sorry, that isn't working.

Is this a bug with Access 2013? Is something wrong with my computer that's causing Access to display only the current time?

Anything else I can try?

[tatihulot]

Here's my database. If the database works properly on your computer, then something must be wrong with mine.

[ssanfu]

Putting "=Now()" as the control source will ALWAYS display the current date/time.

Putting "=Now()" in the default value property of the field/control enters the date/time in the text box ONLY on NEW records.
You will have to enter the date/time in the currently entered records.

[ssanfu]

The text box "Text35" is unbound. To save the date/time, it must be bound to a field in a table. It looks like thetext box shoule be bound to the field "Time". "Time" is a very poor name. It is a reserved word in access. Also, it is not very descriptive. "Time" of what? When the DVD was produced?
"TimeStamp" would be a better name or maybe even "WhenEntered".


BTW, EVERY code page should have

Option Compare Database
Option Explicit

as the first two lines


PS....... I added a date/time to the first artist record as a test

[tatihulot]

I was just about to ask you if the date/time needs to be bound to a field in a table, or if it can be unbound.

Don't worry about the label being simply named TIME. That was a placeholder. I just plopped that label in to test the timestamp. The final label will be more descriptive, while remaining simple.

I cannot open your mdata Mod file because Access 2013 displays a dialog box that says, "The Microsoft Access database engine stopped the process because you and another user are attempting to change the same data at the same time."

So, I must ask you this question, until I can open your .mdb file: When I create the field in the table for the timestamp, I understand I must put =NOW() in the default value. But I am not sure what format the field should be. Should it be set specifically for date/time, or can it be a short text field?

Thanks again!

[tatihulot]

I think I got it working properly. Yes, the timestamp works only with new records, but I figured out how to enter the date in for older records. It will be a time-consuming process, but at least it seems to be working properly.

I created a field in the table, named TIMESTAMP and set it to Date/Time. I entered =NOW() in the Default Value field properties, and then set the Format to General Date.

Seems to be working so far. I will let you know if I run into any snags. Thanks again for the help. The good news is that I now understand the difference between unbound and bound fields.

[pbaldy]

Glad you got it working. Date/Time was the correct choice of data type.

[ssanfu]

I cannot open your mdata Mod file because Access 2013 displays a dialog box that says

I can't open it either. But you sent it as .mdb.

The mdb format is Access 2000 - 2003. You should really convert it to the accdb format (2007 - 2013).

Glad you figured it out...... What Paul said...