Add a Switchboard to your Access application

by Mary Ann Richardson | Apr 06, 2005 1:57:00 AM

Tags: Databases, Microsoft Office, Mary Ann Richardson, Microsoft Access, Switchboard, Click Yes, Microsoft Office Suite Access Tips Newsletter

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Takeaway: Most IT pros use the Database Window in Microsoft Access to access forms and reports. Mary Ann Richardson explains why a better method is to create a Switchboard, which allows users to go directly to a specific form or report.

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Rather than accessing forms and reports from the Database Window in Access, you can create a Switchboard, which allows users to go directly to a specific form or report.

For example, suppose you want to present your users with a menu from which they can access the Employee data form and Employee Email Address form. You can do so by adding a Switchboard to your applications. Simply follow these steps:

Go to Tools | Database Utilities | Switchboard Manager.
You'll see this message: "The Switchboard Manager was unable to find a valid Switchboard in this database. Would you like to create one?" Click Yes.
Click the Edit button.
Click the New button and enter Open Employee Data Form for the Switchboard text.
In the Command drop-down menu, select Open Form In Edit Mode.
In the Form drop-down menu, select the Employee Data Form and Click OK.
Click the New button.
In the Text box, enter Open Employee Email Address Form.
In the Command drop-down menu, select Open Form In Edit Mode.
In the Form drop-down menu, select the Employee Email Address Form.
Click OK and then click Close.