I have 352 entries in a FM file for a photo contest I ran in 2000, most of which will be entering again this year. I have been trying to figure out how to set up this years FM file so it can look up the

information(address, phone, etc) from last year after I enter the name. I cloned last years file with no records and set up the desired relational fields but that doesn't seem to do what I want it to. Do I need to write a script to do that? Please help.

well, it should work if it is set up right, so what exactly is going on. What have you based the relationship on? Where'd you put the lookup fields, etc? need a bit more info, but to answer shortly, a relationship should work

yafreax

Thanks for your response. I set up the relationships for the name, address, phone etc between both files but I haven't set up look ups yet because I wasn't sure how to do that. The way it is now the data is automatically put in the new file. I want to be able to start with a blank entry form, type in the name and have FMP fill in the address, phone, etc from last years file.

First, you shouldn't need multiple relationships. In each file you will need an "Entry" number field. In the old file this can be created and give a sequential number for each record. In the new, empty file create a relationship to the old file with EntryNo. matching EntryNo. In the new file, give EntryNo. a drop down value list based upon the fields EntryNo. and (as a second field) LastName (or phone number or address). The second field gives you something to use in selecting the correct EntryNo. (these EntryNo.s are otherwise pretty meaningless to the human).

Now, define all of the contact fields in the new file as lookups of the matching fields in the old file based upon the EntryNo.<=> EntryNo. relationship.

How it works: When you create a new record this year, click on the drop down field for entry number and select the correct Last Name (or phone number or address, etc.). This selection will enter an EntryNo. which will drive a lookup to the old file and bring across all the old information into the fields you have defined as lookups.

-bd