"The object doesn't contain the Automation object".' error

[batowl]

Hi All,

I have a set of tables and forms for data entry on one subject. It all works fine. I needed to duplicate the table structure and forms for another subject within the same database so I copied the tables and forms within the database for this new topic.

All looked and acted fine until I tried to enter data on my first subform on this new/copied form for this second topic. Whenever I try to enter my first piece of data on this subform I get the error "The object doesnt contain the Automation object 'Salmonella_Water.' (I believe that is referring to a table within the database which this subform is at least partially based upon - and the table is present).

I can click OK to eliminate this box and fill in the subform, but then when I try to leave the subform, I get the message that the "Index or primary key cannot contain a null value". So it appears that the child table that this subform is based upon is not getting the primary key from the parent table when I enter data.



Any thoughts on how to remedy this?

[ssanfu]

Open the main form in design view.
Open the properties dialog window and click on the SUB FROM CONTROL (not the subform itself). Check to see if the master/child links are set correctly.

[Missinglinq]

Steve's suggestion certainly sounds like the solution to your immediate problem, but I have to tell you that your statement

...I needed to duplicate the table structure and forms for another subject within the same database so I copied the tables and forms within the database for this new topic...

almost assuredly means that your database is not Normalized! Instead of duplicating Tables you should have a Field that denotes the given subject, and pull up Records for a given subject by filtering the Form on this Field. Having multiple Forms based on a single Table presents no real problems, other than maintenance, if it makes for easier user interaction.

Linq ;0)>

[batowl]

Thanks for the suggestions, but for the life of me, I cannot seem to find the subform control that you referenced Steve. I am in Design View of the main form and cannot locate it in Access 2003. All I see in the list is the subform itself. Could you please clarify for me how I should access it?
I attached the full error message that I am getting too.

[batowl]

It never fails. As soon as I post that I cannot find it, I find it.

Yes, the Master/Child links appear to be set correctly.

What else could be the problem?

[batowl]

Ok, there appears to have been a small error in the Master/Child links. Instead of the link child field being "FormName_PrimaryKey", it was "FormName.PrimaryKey".

That resolved the issue of this "Automation object error", but now every time I change records it asks me to Enter a Parameter Value for the "FormName_PrimaryKey". Once I cancel out of that (or hit Ok without entering anything) the box goes away but the form does not hold any of the data. So obviously something is still wrong...

[CJ_London]

Instead of the link child field being "FormName_PrimaryKey", it was "FormName.PrimaryKey".

it should just be PrimaryKey

[ssanfu]

"FormName.PrimaryKey" would show up if the Master PK field has the exact name as the child FK field.
I always name the PK field with a suffix "_PK" and the foreign key field with "_FK". Never have naming problems.

Did you select the fields using the combo boxes?