Changing combo-box to check box (a la Excel filter)

[kagoodwin13]

On my search forms with combo-boxes, I was requested to change them to a combo-box with check boxes, similar to the filtering menu in Excel. I am curious as to how this is done. I found something similar with Multi-valued field queries on the Access help website: http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/ac...010149297.aspx



However, my fields are not multi-valued. They store a single value for each field. I am wondering if I can still make this work somehow. Any suggestions?

[Rod]

If you want a drop-down a combo box that reveals check boxes (a la Excel) then, sorry this is not possible in Access.

Could manage it with modal pop-up forms made to look similar to drop-down combo boxes but ... - do you really want to go to all that bother?

[kagoodwin13]

Thanks for your help. Is there maybe a way to implement some sort of Boolean logic? For instance, if my users want to search addresses in particular states, is there a way to search for "FL AND KY" for Florida AND Kentucky?

[Rod]

First, is the built-in Access feature not adequate?



If not, it is possible to build dynamic sorts and filters through a combination of dialog forms, command/toggle buttons and vba code. (It might be possible to use macros instead of vba code but I've never tried; I can't see how to do the necessary SQL string handling with macros. It might also be appropriate to use shortcut menus on the corresponding field[s] but I haven't constructed a shortcut menu for years so I may be out-of-date.) However each such sort/filter takes some development effort so it is only worth considering for fields where the users will use the feature frequently. In your case you imply restricting the result set (retrieved records) to match one or more states. This seems worthwhile if the number of addresses is large but I can't help thinking you would be duplicating the built-in Access feature.

Get back to me if you need any more help or advice.