Dumb (I think) Newbie relationship question

[DeborahW]

I have a multi-table database that seems to be almost ready for prime-time (thanks in large part to some helpful folks here). I've run into a small problem. Perhaps I just haven't mulled it over long enough. In one table I have some calculation fields that use information from other tables. The tables were related (are related) when I look at them in the calculation set up screen. However, if I want to make a portal between the same tables, suddenly they are no longer related. I'm sure I'm missing something really dumb and obvious....Thanks for your input.

[stanley]

Deborah:

I'm not sure I entirely follow you. The problem being that you say:

"The tables were related (are related) when I look at them in the calculation set up screen."

Were? Or are? Which is it? And when you say "calculation set up screen", do you mean in the "Specify Calculation" window, when defining the fields of the database? I'm sorry to sound like an awful third-grade grammar teacher, but you need to be more precise.

Regardless of the above, you may be trying to base relationships on calculated fields, which *should* bring up a dialog box saying that this is a non-starter. Relationships should be based on actual local fields...

I hope I've been helpful, but otherwise, post more detailed information, and someone else in another time zone (probably in Australia) will be more helpful still.

-Stanley

[DeborahW]

Sorry to not be more clear. Yes, I'm referring to the "Specify Calculation" window. I have a calculated field in one table which says if a number in that table is less than a number in the other table a (text) result is returned and if not a different (text) result is returned. There is also another calculation that does a simple mathematical operation between the two. When I look at them in the "Specify Calculation" window there are all sorts of possible related table occurances (not just main tables). The two tables are related through a separate pair of table occurances set up specifically for these calculations. When I try to make a portal from one to the other I have only the main tables to choose from and they are not related. I actually used another calculation to get the field information displayed in this case, and it was probably the best way to do this anyway, but I am still curious about this related/not related thing. As you can probably guess, I am very new at this and pretty much winging it on my own. Thanks for all your help!