Making an input mask permanent when stored

[tc197]

Hey guys,

Is there a way to make my input mask permanent when it is stored in my table?



So my input mask is !A\-00\-000;;_

and now I'm trying to write a search query that will search these records but I can't figure out how to make the dashes (-) permanent. When I do my search I want to type in X-12-123 not X12123. I know the back slashes made the dashes literal, and they appear in the table, but it's still as if they are just there for show and nothing else. Any tips? Thanks!

[ItsMe]

Data is stored in tables according to the field's data type not because of formatting or input masks. Have you tried using an input mask on your unbound textbox, the control used for the search?

[tc197]

I didn't think of that- I like that idea. Thanks I'll try that now.

[tc197]

Do I change the input mask of each piece of the query that has criteria by going to properties? I tried this and it didn't make any difference.

[ItsMe]

Input masks are used to help the developer control what a User inputs into a field of type Text. As you can see, the data stored is what the user types. If the user types into an unbound textbox that employs the same input mask previously used, you can use this data for your query.

[tc197]

I don't really follow. The user is filling out my form -> the form has an input mask -> The data is stored in the tables and the input mask is still present.

Now I'm creating a query to search through this table. -> the query prompts the user to enter the number. -> I want the input mask to again display here.

It didn't do it by default, it didn't work when I added an input mask to each piece of the query that had the criteria of [Enter Number], is there somewhere else I have to put the mask?

[ItsMe]

I am not sure you can use an input window from a parameterized query to accept an input mask. Did you create your query in a way to prompt the user for input? If so, I suggest you do not use this technique and, instead, use an unbound text box in a custom "Search Form". Place your input mask in the properties of the unbound text box.

[tc197]

Yeah I created a query that prompts the user to type in a number and then a report is generated based off of the input number. I would rather figure out how to make the input mask I already have working permanent. Is there a way to make the input mask appear on my form like it does now, but be permanent in my tables as if I had typed it all out? What's happening is I'm using my search query/ report thing I just mentioned but the dashes in my tables arent recognized by the search. The table shows X-12-123 but if I want to search it I have to type X12123.

[June7]

An input mask can be set to save the punctuation with the input if you want. To do so change the input mask to:

!A\-00\-000;0;_

That will force the dashes to be saved. It will not change existing data. You will have to edit it.

http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/libr...ffice.15).aspx

[tc197]

I've tried that but it made no difference. I found that by adding the 0 in the second section it was the same thing as putting the back slashes in. It made the dashes literal and they appeared in my table, but when I got to the table they still won't allow me to edit them and thus they won't appear as part of my search.

Second

Specifies whether Microsoft Access stores the literal display characters in the table when you enter data. If you use 0 for this section, all literal display characters (for example, the parentheses in a phone number input mask) are stored with the value; if you enter 1 or leave this section blank, only characters typed into the control are stored.

\	Causes the character that follows to be displayed as the literal character (for example, \A is displayed as just A).

Same thing correct?

[tc197]

So I understand that if I take away my input mask my table is going to look like X12123 etc... and I don't want to have to type in the dashes initially and for every entry... so my question is, is there a way to make the input mask "typed in" rather than just some formatting thing for show only?

[June7]

No, I don't read that as the same thing. If the literal static text (your hyphens) is saved with the data then removing the input mask will not remove the hyphens. The hyphens are part of the stored value and must be typed when entering search criteria.

I never set properties like lookups, format, input mask in table. So I can do whatever I want with table data and I see the actual data.

[ItsMe]

According to post #9, you can save the dashes as part of your literal text. I have never tried this approach. Perhaps you can review the link provided and try it again. Note (like June mentioned) that previously stored data does not change when an input mask is edited.

[tc197]

My apologies I think where I screwed up was with the previously stored data. Your solution from Post 9 actually works wonderfully and I got lost in the wording. Earlier before I started the thread I had tried this same approach but I didn't see any changes due to the fact I wasn't entering in new data to test. Thank you for the support and for not getting frustrated with me. I appreciate the help very much!