Validation of inputed data

[dyhunter]

I have been searching, and have found inforation that tells me I have to use a validation after update (or possibly before update), but does not tell me how. I have a database that I record someinforation on parts. I have 4 different syles of part numbers, and want to try and catch incorrect entries (extra or missing digits, incorrect characters, etc). For example:



123456 - 6 digits, all numbers
L12345 - 6 digits, first one a letter
123-45678 - 8 digits all numbers with a hyphen after the third
12345678 - 8 digtis all numbers no hyphen and the first digit always the same number

How do I get Access to test my input and if it does not meet one of the above examples to not accept.

[pbaldy]

Here is the code method basics:

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

functions that may come in handy include Len, IsNumeric, Left and InStr.