Cannot Get Access to Accept its Date Stamp Code

[ebbolles]

I am trying to build a new database, my first in 2013. I want to stamp each record with a date of entry. I created a field called DateAdded and set the data type to date/time. I set the format to short date and told it never to use calendar picker. Then I tried to set the default value to the date the record is created. Using the Expression builder I inserted =Date(). Access gives me a dialog box saying there is some sort of syntax error in the code. I have tried: Date(), Date, =Date, =Now(), Now, Now(), and =Now. All produce the same error message. What do I do?

[ItsMe]

I understand you want the default value of a field to be the current Date, formatted as Short date. You can do this at the table level. While in Design View of your table, select your Date field. Double check the Data type is set to Date/Time. Now, go to the properties of your field and adjust the Format to the desired "Short Date". Now, go to the Default Value property and type the Date function.

I believe you need to type Date() in the default value property. Otherwise, it is just Date.

Be aware that a Time will also be included in your Date. Just because you formatted your field as Short Date does not mean there is no Time associated with your date. The time will be 12 midnight. It may be best to use a full timestamp. Using Now() as the default value will use the System time and date the record is first created.

[CJ_London]

it should just be Date() or Now(). Suggest you don't use the expression builder

[ebbolles]

Thanks. The basic problem was that I was doing exactly as described and getting the error message. I finally figured out that the problem was in a completely different VB module, so I fixed that.