Forms feeding ID numbers into table and not descrpitons

[cchampagne17]

In my database, the user opens the form and enters data (per usual). When they select items in the combo box, in the table that it puts the data in, it puts the item ID number and not the actual name. For example. When someone selects "flat panels" from a drop down, it records ''flat panels'' ID number, 1, instead of "flat panels" Any ideas how to fix this?

[jzwp11]

That is the way it should be. The key value should be what is stored in the related table not the text value.

BTW are you using combo/list boxes in your tables? If so, you may want to take a look at this site which explains the problems having lookups in your tables can cause. Lookups are best left for forms.

[cchampagne17]

Is there any way that I can get it to display the discription value and not the ID number?

[jzwp11]

You would use a query (bring the two tables in the query design grid, and select the text field rather than the ID field) & then base a form on that query or you can use a form based on the main table with a combo box based on the related table (that holds the text value you want to display). The general rule is that your users should never see your tables; they should only interact with the data via forms.