Query does not yield results

[justifiedcandy]

I am trying to create a query that will display results based on the contents of a cell. I am using the "contains" function (Like [----] & *"*) to prompt the user on what he would like to search. My chart contains the value "lightly roasted chicken" under the column "meat." When I try and search by chicken, no results show. What am I doing wrong?
Thanks

[pkstormy]

I think you want for criteria: Like [----] & "*" versus Like [----] & *"* (notice the "*")

[justifiedcandy]

my bad typo in the access document i did it in the correct format ("*"). Still no results.

[NoellaG]

Hi,

As chicken is the last word, you'll need another wildcart in front:

like "*" & [.....] & "*"

hgreeting
NG

[justifiedcandy]

thanks, but what if "chicken" or the object the user is searching for is is several locations in the cells? i.e.

cell 1:
roasted chicken and beans

cell 2:
lemon chicken

cell 3:
chicken with steamed vegetables

[weekend00]

*xxxx* is for any occur place including following cases:

roasted chicken and beans
lemon chicken
chicken with steamed vegetables
abcchicken other words
chickennnnnn

But not including: xxx chick en xxx

[justifiedcandy]

thanks, works now.
is there a way to provide the user with search parameters rather than the user typing it in himself? i.e. rather than the user typing "chicken", he could refer to a list of options.

[pkstormy]

I would create a table (ie. lookup table) and put the values in that table. Then design a combobox on the form with the rowsource of the combobox based on this lookup type table.

Then you could base your criteria off the value of the combobox on the form.

ie.

Like Forms!MyFormName!MyComboboxName & *
or
Like * & Forms!MyFormName!MyComboboxName & *

There are many search type/query criteria examples in the code repository if you'd like to see different examples of how this is done.

[oldman]

That is a great solution pkstormy.
It sets things up to make the user use the right words for the search while letting them choose the word they most would like to associate with the resulting query. The only problem I can see with it is the person who only wants fried chicken and does not want to see the results of roasted chicken. Those few people will be disappointed with the results. Yes, I write such meaningless queries as a regular part of my job and have experienced just such comments.