Query for duplicates without specific table names

[pooldead]

I am trying to create a query that will check for duplicates. I have a base table that I am using, tbl_main, and it includes a "User ID" field. The process I have setup dumps the existing tbl_main into a "arch_*date*" table for backup.

I know how to setup a general duplicates query, but all the information I've found so far uses specific table names in the query. How can I set this up to use the "User ID" in tbl_main and check in any "arch_*date*" tables that may exist?

[orange]

Step back from database and tables and describe in plain simple English what exactly you mean by duplicate. Sme examples to clarify your requirement would help readers and will give you more focused responses.
Good luck.

[pooldead]

I couldn't think of a legitimate way to accomplish this. I updated my process instead to have my archive table names be something specific.

[moke123]

Is there any reason to archive data into seperate tables as oppossed to maybe setting the record inactive?