Problem using the combo box Access 2007

[PATATE]

I am new to Access and databases in general so I am prepared to appear a complete idiot.
I have spent the last week trying to achieve what seems to me to be a very basic and straightforward task .
I have created a combo box so that when I select one of the fields in the dropdown list (a reference number) all the information on the form will change and relate to the number I have selected.
Try as I might the only thing that changes in the form is the reference number.
There is obviously a simple solution.
Can anyone help.
Thanks

[RuralGuy]

If your controls are bound to fields on the underlying bound RecordSource then the wizard can create the ComboBox for you, just pick option #3.

[PATATE]

Thanks for the reply.
The problem is that when I open the combo box wizard I don't have a 3rd option.
What I want to achieve:
I have a table with :
1). Lamperefernce number
2). The name of the lamp
3). The wattage of the lamp
Using the Combo box I want to be able to select the lamp reference number and the name & wattage of the lamp associated with that number will appear on the form.
It seems to me that this is a very basic thing to ask Access to do but whatever I try doesn’t work.
I would be grateful for some advice
Thanks

[RuralGuy]

It sounds to me like your form has *no* RecordSource (not bound) and therefore the controls have *no* ControlSource either (not bound). I would certainly not recommend you use an unbound form. There are very few situations where this is necessary but it is your project.

[PATATE]

Thanks again for your help.
I don't seem to be able to bind the table to the form.
I opened create form and then activated the field list.
I then inserted the fields from the list into the form.
Next I inserted a combo box into the form.
In form view the combo box scrolls but nothing else changes.
If what I have done is correct, how do I bind the records to the form?

[RuralGuy]

Does your form have a RecordSource? Do the controls have a ControlSource?

[PATATE]

As far as I know the answer is yes to both questions
- the record source is the table, yes ?
- the control source is the field list that I used to create the form.
Is this correct?

[RuralGuy]

A FORM has a property sheet that has a Data tab. The first row of the Data tab is the RecordSource entry. A CONTROL also has a property sheet with a Data tab. The first row of this Data tab is the ControlSource. You do not have to guess, just go look at these two entries.

[PATATE]

Finally I understand. Thankyou. It's obvious when you know

[RuralGuy]

So now your form is "bound" and you get option #3 from the ComboBox wizard, right?

[PATATE]

Exactly. the third option in the combo box wizard now appears.
I couldn't understand why I was only being presented with the two options before.
Thanks again

[RuralGuy]

That's great! Go ahead and use the link in my sig.