Static value in field

[crewjones]

I have a DB with some data already entered into the "Date Checked Out" field (this is for an equipment inventory DB)


I want to modify the db so that when a user opens the form, today's date with be the default value and that value will not overwrite the already existing date for whatever records already have a date entered.

I added the existing field into the form and entered the expression in the default value field
IIF([DateChecked] Is Null, Date())

I thought this would translate to If the Date Checked out field is Null value, then enter today's date.

But It is not displaying today's date as the default value.

thanks

[Dal Jeanis]

Default value is only going to take effect for a new record. For a new record, it will always be null, so you don't need the IIF. If you're wanting an existing record that is Null to have its value updated, then you'll need to use an event to trigger the recalculation of that field.

I've forgotten all the ins and outs of what events happen in what order at the end of updating a record. June7 or rpeare may have that in the front of their brains and chime in.

Possibly the BeforeUpdate Event of the form?

You'd have VBA to check the value of the control that was bound to your DateCheckedOut

If IsNull(txtDateChecked) Then
   txtDateChecked = Date()
End If

You'll have to decide whether you want a date or a timestamp, and code accordingly.

Can you tell us specifically under what circumstances you do want a record with null checkout date to be updated, and when you do not? Think of all the different ways that a user could leave the screen, or leave the record, after updating or not updating the record. Decide the behavior you want, and that will determine how many events you need to put code in. (If me.dirty, etc)

[June7]

I usually use the OnCurrent event if I want the field to populate when existing record is initially opened.