Need to show * instead of number input

[Dave14867]

Hello all,


I searched but couldn't find anything on what I am sure is a common Question. I have a field for social security #, txtSocial, and I want to set it to show an asterisk for each number inputted. I already have the input mask set to Social Security but I don't want the input box to show it, I want it to show an asterisk for each #

[Micron]

Where are you putting the mask - table field or form control? I have rarely used masks so the only way I know of entering * for characters is password input mask. If done on the control you won't be able to read data in a form so that's of no use? If users can get at your tables, then there's not much point? In fact, I'm wondering when it is that you don't want the numbers to be visible. Surely not during data entry? Maybe what you want is field encryption, but that can only be done in code AFAIK.

[Dave14867]

Micron,
How would I do it in code? I am not that familiar with VBA

[June7]

Web search "Access field encryption".

Review https://bytes.com/topic/access/insig...m-vba-vbscript

[Micron]

Been a long time since I had any encryption code. So long in fact, that I can't even open those db's on my usual pc. Try googling
ms access table field encryption

The methodology involves swapping input characters with gibberish using a cipher and storing that in a field. You have to reverse the process to be able to make sense of the data. The lowest form of encryption would be to shift the input character Ascii value by factor x, then shift back by factor x. Not real strong, especially if anyone can read how the code does it. The level of encryption you'd want to find and copy code for depends on your needs. RC4 is the strongest, AFAIK. Sorry I can't be much more help than that.

[Welshgasman]

Hello all,
I searched but couldn't find anything on what I am sure is a common Question. I have a field for social security #, txtSocial, and I want to set it to show an asterisk for each number inputted. I already have the input mask set to Social Security but I don't want the input box to show it, I want it to show an asterisk for each #

Use the password option then?