Validation Rule Not Working??

[tylerg11]

I would like to require a field to be filled. Sometimes based on certain conditions, and other times in all cases. My tables are linked from a SQL Server database. I tried just using a Validation Rule in the Form Design, but it didn't give me an error if I left the field blank. Does this change have to be made at the SQL Server level?

[pbaldy]

If it's only required under certain circumstances, I don't think you can do it with a validation rule. I'd use the before update event of the form:

http://www.baldyweb.com/BeforeUpdate.htm

[tylerg11]

Thanks.

I also want a textbox on my form to always contain data (no nulls), so I added a validation rule for that control. If I fill it with data, remove, the data, and leave the field, I get an error. But if I just fill out the other fields, and leave the form, I get no error! Is this how the validation rule should be working?

I am working with linked tables through SQL Server, and I was hoping to be able to control the data entry with this form.

[pbaldy]

If it should always have a value, for a SQL Server field you'd uncheck the Allow Nulls in design view (in an Access table you'd set Required = Yes).