no data returned in my query

[kevin66]

when I run a query with two tables, I do not get any data returned. just the headings of the fields I chose. when I use a single table it works fine. as soon as I bring in the second table. no data, no matter how I mix up the fields. I'm not supposed to change the relationships.
any suggestions
this is a very basic query using inner joins. 1tomany
thanks
kevin

[alansidman]

Some sample data showing your tables and your SQL

[Minty]

I think that when using the single table you would only get a result if both the ID's where the same in the from and to user fields?
That's why you need to link the table twice - to separate the dependency on both joins.

Edit: I misread your post, but my theory still holds, you will only get a result if both the to and from have data.

As Alan has asked show us some sample data?

[ArviLaanemets]

when I run a query with two tables, I do not get any data returned.

You are asking for a list of chat messages from user like "john1", where he is chatting with himself (FromUser is same as ToUser). When there are no such chats, nothing is returned!

When you want to get the list of chats from certain user with any other user, you have to link another instance of table Users into query. The querystring will be something like

SELECT u1.UserName, c.Message, u2.UserName AS ContactPerson
FROM (Chats c LEFT JOIN Users u1 ON u1.UserID = c.FromUser) LEFT JOIN Users u2 ON u2.UserID = c.ToUser
WHERE u1.UserName LIKE "john1"

[mike60smart]

I would recommend that you use an Autonumber PK for a UserID and not Text

[kevin66]

I figured it out.thanks for the hints