Can I disable a button if a field is empty (null)?

[Tall_Paul]

I have a field on my table called PPTfile. This field simply stores the location and file name of a PowerPoint file. On a form I have a button that will open the PowerPoint file when clicked. Is it possible to disable this button if there is nothing in the PPTfile field for the selected record?

[isladogs]

I don't know whether it possible to read the PPt text from Access as I've never tried
However you could add a Boolean field called PPt to the table and mark it true for the relevant records.
Include the field (hidden) on you form and use something like

me.buttonname.visible=me.ppt

[CJ_London]

if you are saying you are storing the path and filename as a field in a table and want to disable the button if the field is blank then you can use (for single forms only)

me.buttonname.visible=not isnull(nameoffield)

or if the field can contain a zero length string or space

me.buttonname.visible=trim(nz(nameoffield,""))<>""

put the code in the form current event and the nameoffield afterupdate event

if your form is continuous, then you need to use conditional formatting - which does not work with buttons, instead create a textbox and format it to look like a button

[isladogs]

Hi Ajax
Reading it again, I think your interpretation of the question is more likely what the OP meant

[Tall_Paul]

That is exactly correct: I have a field in a table that holds the path and filename of a ppt file that launches when clicked. So you are saying that since it is a continuous form that I am using I need to format a textbox to look like a button and use conditional formatting to make it look like a button because on a continuous form all of the unbound buttons will reflect the state of only the selected record correct?

I imagine any VBA code that I have for the OnClick of the button will be easily transferable to the OnClick of the textbox as well.

I will research conditional formatting and see how to do it. Thank you.

- Paul

if you are saying you are storing the path and filename as a field in a table and want to disable the button if the field is blank then you can use (for single forms only)

me.buttonname.visible=not isnull(nameoffield)

or if the field can contain a zero length string or space

me.buttonname.visible=trim(nz(nameoffield,""))<>""

put the code in the form current event and the nameoffield afterupdate event

if your form is continuous, then you need to use conditional formatting - which does not work with buttons, instead create a textbox and format it to look like a button

[CJ_London]

use conditional formatting to make it look like a button because on a continuous form all of the unbound buttons will reflect the state of only the selected record correct?

correct

I imagine any VBA code that I have for the OnClick of the button will be easily transferable to the OnClick of the textbox as well.

correct - just be aware that visibility is not an option with conditional formatting, use the enabled/disabled property so it is greyed out

I need to format a textbox to look like a button

there is more than one way to crack an egg. Instead of the button or textbox, you can use the double click event of the control that holds the path name - then in your code have a qualifier

if not isnull(mypathcontrol) then
    'open file
end if

and if you want, in that controls controltip property put something like 'Double click to open file'

and/or you can use conditional formatting on that control to show say green text or background if the field is populated

[Missinglinq]

...Instead of the button or textbox, you can use the double click event of the control...

That's the approach I've always used for this task, with Continuous/Datasheet Forms, and it's always been readily accepted by users, even non-tech savvy users.

Linq ;0)>

[June7]

I have used the form DblClick event with a label with instruction: "Double click in left margin of a record to view lab data.". This means the RecordSelectors property has to be set to Yes.

[SierraJuliet]

If IsNull(PPTfile Field) Then
btnforPPTfile.Enabled = False
Else
btnforPPTfile.Enabled = True
End If

Just ensure the field is null and not zero length string when no data is present.

[June7]

And yes, all instances of the button will reflect the same status. But is that an issue?

Ajax's code is simpler - no If Then.