Stupid Question From Braindead User

[JeffGeorge]

I want to use a period character (.) in an unbound text field. However, every time I do it seems to think I'm using it as the delimiter between a delimiter and field name. How do I use it as text? I know this is an ubernoob question, but my brain is already looking at the weekend.

[JoeM]

How exactly are you trying to do it? Is the period the only thing in there, or is it part of something bigger?
If you have a formula or VBA code you are trying, please post it here.

[JeffGeorge]

I'm just trying to use a period as part of an abbreviated word in the text that shows in the text box. For example, I want the text box to read "Jeffrey M. George" or something like that (a simple text label of some sort on the report). However, when I run the report it prompts me for the value and then when I look at it again in design view the box is showing

[Jeffrey M].[George]

[JoeM]

So what's your Control Source for this text box? If you use quotes to denote literal text, and don't use square brackets, it should work, i.e.
="Jeffrey M. George"

[JeffGeorge]

The Control Source was defaulting to whatever I typed in the placed box in design mode. For the test I took out the period. The Control Source now has Jeffrey M George in it and that is what it shows in design view. But when I run it it's still prompting me for a parameter value for Jeffrey M George. I just want a plain piece of text on the report, no different than drawing a straight line. Unfortunately, it seems to either want to associate the text with something for promp me for values for it. It's just words on the report output.

[JeffGeorge]

However, doing it your way worked. I guess I was messing it up by not using the = sign, which I didn't realize I would have to have to get plain text onscreen.

[JoeM]

The key is actually the quotes. Any literal text value must be entered between quotes. Otherwise, without quotes, it is viewed as a variable or field name, so it looks for it. When it doesn't find it, it thinks it is a parameter, and asks you for it at run-time.

[JeffGeorge]

That makes sense; thanks. This is what happens when you don't use Access for a year and then have to dive back in. I'm sure I'll forget all this 2 days after I finish my current project.

[JoeM]

Yes, that same concept trips up many a novice VBA user too!